ACT have another playmaking ace - Matt Toomua

[mudskipper]

February 10, 2010

THE in-demand talent of Matt Giteau's understudy has convinced Brumbies coach Andy Friend that he doesn't need to risk his star recruit in the season opener against the Force unless the Wallabies five-eighth is 100 per cent fit.

Giteau was bracketed at five-eighth with 20-year-old Matt Toomua in the Brumbies line-up yesterday, following the Australian star's steady recovery from a quadriceps strain suffered two weeks ago.

Rocky Elsom was also picked for his Brumbies debut, while prop Ben Alexander and veteran lock Justin Harrison were included to shore up the pack.

Giteau will be tested today in Perth ahead of Friday night's clash with his old team but Friend says he will take an ultra-cautious approach given a re-occurrence could see the No. 10 miss their looming South African tour.

"Definitely we won't risk him if he is not totally right," Friend said last night.

A significant factor in Friend's decision is that he doesn't need to risk Giteau with Toomua also in his squad.

The boom rookie played for the Brumbies last season as a teenager and was so impressive in a Currie Cup stint with Western Province that the Stormers made approaches to sign him.

Toomua is also highly regarded by Wallabies coach Robbie Deans and the youngster went on the Spring Tour last year, only to break his jaw against Cardiff. He returned recently and starred against NSW in a trial last week.

"We have a real luxury of depth there with Matty. If Gits weren't to play, we know he can get out there and do a job for us," Friend said of Toomua.

Friend expects Force veteran Mark Bartholomeusz to step in at No. 10 following Andre Pretorius' injury.

"That combination they used in beating the Reds was solid, with Brett Sheehan and 'Barty' in the halves and James O'Connor at fullback," he said.

"I think they'll be keeping that mix. Barty is a very experienced footballer."



http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/spo...-1225828457765

[GIGS20]

Andy Friend that he doesn't need to risk his star recruit in the season opener against the Force unless the Wallabies five-eighth is 100 per cent fit.

Friend went on to say off the record that Matt told him to play Toomua unless Gits is 100% and he knows how dangerous it is for a coach to go against the word of Matt Giteau

[slomo]

'act have another play making ace in toomua ' who's the other one? ....
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[shasta]

who's the other one? ....
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Christian Lealiifano

[James]

It'll be interesting to see where all the 10s going round will end up after this season. I doubt Cooper would ever leave QLD and Beale doesn't seem likely to leave Queensland but only one, if either, of Lealiifano or Toomua are likely to stay with the Brumbies. Not sure what Barnes will do either. It's a shame Melbourne are coming in next year as apposed to 2012 and seem very reluctant to sign any international marquee players.

[Hoolly Doolly]

Bloody ridiculous how many decent 10's and 12's they have on their squad.
Bloody tahs are the same with barnes, beale, and hangers. loved how coach hickey was saying nah hangers will get first crack at 10. i never believed him of course and come to the crunch turns it around and start barnes in place of hangers for the first round.
You shoulda come west halangahu.

[Burgs]

Not sure of whose contracts are up, if either of them, but that aside you would think that as a Melbourne raised kid and past Vic rep that Lealiifano would be the favourite to head south.
He has been at the Brumbies a little longer so maybe his contract is more likely to be coming up?
Might have to chase down Brocky for the inside scoop

[mudskipper]

Bloody ridiculous how many decent 10's and 12's they have on their squad.

Yep... Giteau, Lealiifano, Toomua, Tyrone Smith... not to mention wingers Franky, Zippa, Slippery and Alfi Mafi... nice to see some real speedsters back at the little pony club... best not forget the rampaging evil wizard and his offsider ACC... Giteau better pass that bloody ball...

[palitu]

nice to see some real speedsters back at the little pony club...

you mean MY little pony club...

[Hoolly Doolly]

you forgot fairbanks....i rated him before his injury woes.

[mudskipper]

Fairbanks went to Japan for a year but would like to return for 2011... he might end up in Melbourne...

---------- Post added at 14:11 ---------- Previous post was at 14:10 ----------

you mean MY little pony club...

nice pony...

[GIGS20]

Giteau better pass that bloody ball...

you don't even watch rugby do you?

[Hoolly Doolly]

Fairbanks went to Japan for a year but would like to return for 2011... he might end up in Melbourne

What a shame. so much talent being lost overseas...... i guess once Smith owned his spot and with the return of gits and the favoured dual playmaker roles doesnt leave him with much oppurtunity to play........he should come join the force!!

[mudskipper]

What a shame. so much talent being lost overseas...... i guess once Smith owned his spot and with the return of gits and the favoured dual playmaker roles doesnt leave him with much oppurtunity to play........he should come join the force!!

Fairbanks had an ongoing neck injury... Its one off those injuries which needed rather a long time to heal... I agree it sucks but thats professional rugby. I'd like to see him return to play somewhere in OZ... just like a few others. in the end Melbourne will help make a stronger Wallabies talent pool just like the Force have in recent years......

---------- Post added at 16:50 ---------- Previous post was at 16:49 ----------

you don't even watch rugby do you?

i knew you'd catch me out on day gigsy...