Giteau bracketed in Brumbies XV
February 09 2010
The Brumbies have named a full-strength line-up ahead of their Super 14 opening round match against the Western Force at Members Equity Stadium.
Former Western Force fly-half Matt Giteau and Rocky Elsom have been named in the squad after missing the Brumbies final pre-season match with their respective quad strain and hamstring irritation.
Giteau has been bracketed in the fly-half role along with Australian U20 playmaker Matt Toomua.
Outside back Pat McCabe has also recovered from his quad strain and will make his Super 14 debut on the Brumbies' right wing on Friday.
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 Brumbies since their semi-final loss to the Blues in 2003.
Head Coach Andy Friend says while Elsom is a likely starter for Friday'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 Brumbies back row.
Scrum-half Josh Valentine will make his first appearance against his former Super 14 side for his fourth province having previously represented the Reds, Waratahs and Western Force.
After a strong performance in the '12' jersey against the Waratahs, fly-half-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 full-back Adam Ashley-Cooper form the Brumbies' back three.
Brumbies: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Stirling Mortlock, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Matt Giteau (Matt Toomua), 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Stephen Hoiles (c), 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Justin Harrison, 4 Mark Chisholm, 3 Guy Shepherdson, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Salesi Maafu, 18 Ben Hand, 19 Mitchell Chapman, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Tyrone Smith, 22 Alfi Mafi, (23 Afusipa Taumoepeau).
Date: Friday, February 12
Venue: Members Equity Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 19:05 (11:05 GMT)
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Assistant referees: Nathan Pearce (Australia), Julian Pritchard (Australia)
Television match official: George Ayoub (Australia)