Stirling Mortlock switches to outside centre, marks rising Rob Horne

[jargan83]

Stirling Mortlock switches to outside centre, marks rising Rob Horne

By Bret Harris

March 10, 2009

Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock hopes the move back to his preferred outside centre position will rejuvenate him when the Brumbies host New South Wales in the Super 14 derby at Canberra Stadium.

And Mortlock will need to be on top of his game to fend off the challenge from rising Waratahs No. 13 Rob Horne.

Mortlock played inside centre for the Brumbies in their first three games, but with the exception of the first match against the Highlanders, in which he scored two tries, he has been below his best.

Brumbies coach Andy Friend is expected to reshuffle the malfunctioning Brumbies backline, starting Tyrone Smith at inside centre, moving Mortlock to outside centre, shifting Adam Ashley-Cooper to full-back and switching Mark Gerrard to the wing.

While Friend would not confirm the changes, Mortlock trained at outside centre with Smith on his inside.

"I've felt a little bit off," Mortlock said.

"I probably haven't been that comfortable in our style (of play) which is also probably a reflection of where the team has been at as well.

"We've been pretty direct and probably haven't had enough of an ability to change up our options.

"We haven't gelled enough. Sometimes that takes a bit of time, but also you need to have a better shape in attack and make better decisions. We were probably missing on all fronts."

Friend conceded that Mortlock was better suited to outside centre.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...002381,00.html

[Burgs]

What a novel approach, playing players in their best suited positions!!!

[MI5_Dog]

having seen the brumbies v the force and the 'tahs v the reds this match looks to be a snore-fest.

we can only hope that like james brown one of the teams can 'get on up'

I hope it's the brumbies but suspect it will be the 'tahs

[TommyM]

Why moved Gerrard to the wing? Ashley-Cooper has always done brilliantly on the wing, and Gerrard is a far superior kicker from the back even if not as dynamic a runner

[Burgs]

Good question, no real answer.
Perhaps to keep everyone's hand in for their second choice position?
Maybe to get more speed and tackle at Fullback?

[Hoolly Doolly]

Latest i heard was 2dads was gonna be on the wing. Be a bit stupid if he started at fullback.
ill be pissed if i see 2dads in the regular 15 for the wallabies this year. Most overated player in australia.

[mudskipper]

I think AAC will be on the wing... He will swop at times Gerardo on different plays. Gerard's kicking game is one of the Brumbies strengths this season. I think Friend wants to see AAC involved...