Thursday, 30 April 2009 / A Mudskipper propaganda initiative


The CA Brumbies have revamped their backline ahead of their must-win Investec Super 14 Week 12 Australian derby against the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Flyhalf Matt Toomua is the only player from Brumbies’ last round loss to the Hurricanes to retain the same position with inside centre Gene Fairbanks and Mark Gerrard returning from injury.

After missing two matches due to a hamstring strain, Gerrard resumes his role at fullback while Fairbanks (groin) returns from a one-match lay-off to reunite with outside centre Tyrone Smith in the Brumbies’ midfield.

Stirling Mortlock and Adam Ashley-Cooper shift from outside centre and fullback respectively to each take up a position on the wing, while Patrick Phibbs earns his fourth run-on start of the season at scrumhalf, replacing Joshua Holmes, who will start off the bench.

The Brumbies’ forward pack remains unchanged with George Smith continuing his impressive run of 60 consecutive matches and further consolidating his second placing on the CA Brumbies’ most capped list with 117 matches, one ahead of Stephen Larkham (116 caps) and 19 adrift of George Gregan (136).

While the Brumbies still have Mark Chisholm (wrist), Christian Lealiifano (hamstring), Clyde Rathbone (quadricep), Julian Salvi (ankle) and Guy Shepherdson (suspension) sidelined, Sitaleki Timani has been selected after recovering from a knee injury suffered against the Bulls a fortnight ago. Timani has been named on the CA Brumbies’ bench along with Holmes and Francis Fainifo, who both join the reserves list from last week’s starting XV.

The two sides will compete for the Rod Macqueen Cup, a trophy the CA Brumbies have held since it’s inception in 2005, having won 13 of the 14 matches against the Reds since 1996.

Brumbies Head Coach Andy Friend says previous results between the two sides will have no bearing on Saturday night’s outcome.

“We’ve got three must-win games in our last three rounds and so every match from here on in is vitally important for us,” he said.

“We’ve got to turnaround last week’s performance and our attitude during the week definitely suggests we can do that. Gene and Pat are both good organisers on the field and will help provide us with direction but it’s a matter of matching up physically against what is a very competent Queensland pack.

“The Reds showed again last weekend against the Blues what a dangerous side they are. Guys like Digby Ioane and Berrick Barnes have been outstanding for them throughout the season and there’s no question they’ll want to impress their home crowd at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.”

The Brumbies travel to Brisbane on Friday.


Brumbies v Reds
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Kick-off: 7.40pm

1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. Salesi Ma’afu
4. Ben Hand
5. Peter Kimlin
6. Mitchell Chapman
7. George Smith
8. Stephen Hoiles (c)
9. Patrick Phibbs
10. Matt Toomua
11. Adam Ashley-Cooper
12. Gene Fairbanks
13. Tyrone Smith
14. Stirling Mortlock
15. Mark Gerrard

Reserves
16. Huia Edmonds
17. Nic Henderson
25. Sitaleki Timani
19. Henry Vanderglas
20. Joshua Holmes
21. Afusipa Taumoepeau
22. Francis Fainifo