Giteau included as CA Brumbies name Week One squad

Justin Harrison tackles the Blues' Xavier Rush during his last appearance for the CA Brumbies in 2003.

The CA Brumbies have named a full-strength line-up ahead of their Investec Bank Super 14 opening round match against the Force at Members Equity Stadium.

Former Western Force flyhalf Matt Giteau and Rocky Elsom have been named in the squad after missing the CA Brumbies final pre-season match with their respective quad strain and hamstring irritation. Giteau has been bracketed in the flyhalf role along with Australian Under 20’s playmaker Matt Toomua.

Outside back Pat McCabe has also recovered from his quad strain and will make his Investec Bank Super 14 debut on the CA Brumbies’ right wing on Friday night.

Prop Ben Alexander  has been passed fit after making a quicker than anticipated recovery from a broken hand and will pack down alongside Stephen Moore and Guy Shepherdson while lock Justin Harrison will play his first Super Rugby match for the CA Brumbies since their semi-final loss to the Blues in 2003.

Head Coach Andy Friend says while Elsom is a likely starter for Friday night’s match, Giteau would be given to the last minute to prove his fitness.

“Matt’s still touch and go at this stage,” he said. “You never want to leave a player like that out of the side and we’ll be giving him every opportunity to play against his old side.

“He’s comfortable with where he’s at at the moment and the medical staff has been pleased with how it’s been progressing. We’ll be giving him up until the last possible minute on Friday but we’re very mindful that you don’t want to be risking someone like that should they not be 100 per cent ready to go.”

Mark Chisholm will join Harrison in the second row with Elsom, George Smith and captain Stephen Hoiles forming the CA Brumbies back row.

Scrumhalf Josh Valentine will make his first appearance against his former Investec Bank Super 14 appearance for his fourth province having previously represented the Reds, Waratahs and Western Force.

After a strong performance in the ‘12’ jersey against the Waratahs, flyhalf-cum-inside centre Christian Lealiifano will link in the midfield with Stirling Mortlock, who needs just four points to become the first player in Super Rugby history to surpass 1,000 career points. McCabe, Francis Fainifo and Wallaby fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper form the CA Brumbies’ back three.

Afusipa Taumoepeau will travel to Perth as the side’s 23rd man.

CA Brumbies v Western Force
Members Equity Stadium, Perth
Friday, 12 February 2010         
Kick-off: 7.05pm local time (10.05pm AEDST)

1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. Guy Shepherdson
4. Mark Chisholm
5. Justin Harrison
6. Rocky Elsom
7. George Smith
8. Stephen Hoiles (c)
9. Josh Valentine
10. Matt Giteau/Matt Toomua
11. Francis Fainifo
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Stirling Mortlock
14. Pat McCabe
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper

Reserves
16. Huia Edmonds
17. Salesi Ma’afu
18. Ben Hand
19. Mitchell Chapman
20. Patrick Phibbs
21. Tyrone Smith
22. Alfi Mafi

23. Afusipa Taumoepeau

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