Mortlock returns to bolster Brumbies

[mudskipper]

Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock will return in a much-needed boost for the shaken Brumbies in their Super 14 clash against the Cheetahs on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

The Brumbies have had a horror run in South Africa, with the side failing to register a win in their first two matches of a three-leg tour.

Far worse, the side has also been waiting anxiously the learn the full extent of injuries to teammate Shawn Mackay who remains in a critical condition in a Durban hospital after being hit by a car in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The 26-year-old suffered a cervical spinal fracture and dislocation, a fractured skull as well as a broken leg and multiple facial fractures and lacerations in the incident.

Mortlock will again play in his preferred role of outside centre and resume his midfield partnership with Tyrone Smith.

Gene Fairbanks, who ran on at inside centre in the 35-14 loss to the Sharks in Durban last Saturday, returns to the bench.

Mortlock was ruled out against the Sharks after sustaining corks in both thighs during the side's 25-17 loss to the Lions two weeks ago.

Brumbies coach Andy Friend said the 76-Test veteran would provide a much needed boost to the backline.

"Stirling's a key member of the squad and we're naturally pleased to have him back fit and ready to go," he said.

"I thought Gene and Tyrone were very strong for us in a beaten side last week, but Stirling's a world-class, experienced outside centre and someone you can't afford to not have in the starting XV."

"He provides us with a lot of leadership, experience and direction in the backline."

Mitchell Chapman retains his starting position at blindside flanker after making a successful return from a long-term shoulder injury last weekend.

The Brumbies delayed the naming of the team following the incident involving Mackay and have named an extended bench with one player to be omitted ahead of the match in Bloemfontein on Saturday night.

Brumbies: Mark Gerrard, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock, Tyrone Smith, Clyde Rathbone, Christian Lealiifano, Joshua Holmes, Julian Salvi, George Smith (capt), Mitchell Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Ben Hand, Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander. Res: Huia Edmonds, Salesi Ma'afu, Sitaleki Timani, Peter Kimlin, Patrick Phibbs, Gene Fairbanks, Alfi Mafi, Francis Fainifo (one to be omitted).


http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...261694961.html

[mudskipper]

Mortlock returns at outside centre for Brumbies
Thursday, 2 April 2009... Ministry of Brumbies Propaganda Media Unit

Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock will return to the CA Brumbies’ starting line-up to front the Cheetahs at Bloemfontein’s Vodacom Park on Saturday, 4 April.

Mortlock was ruled out of last weekend’s loss to the Sharks after sustaining corks in both thighs during the side’s Week Six encounter against the Lions.

The 31-year-old resumes his role at outside centre and will be accompanied in the CA Brumbies’ midfield by Tyrone Smith, who shifts in to start in the ‘12’ jersey. Gene Fairbanks, who ran on at inside centre against the Sharks, will start off the bench.

CA Brumbies Head Coach Andy Friend says Mortlock is a quality addition to any backline.

“Stirling’s a key member of the squad and we’re naturally pleased to have him back fit and ready to go,” he said. “I thought Gene and Tyrone were very strong for us in a beaten side last week, but Stirling’s a world-class, experienced outside centre and someone you can’t afford to not have in the starting XV.

“He provides us with a lot of leadership, experience and direction in the backline.”

Flanker Mitchell Chapman retains his starting position on the side of the CA Brumbies scrum after making a successful return from a long-term shoulder injury last weekend.

The CA Brumbies have named an extended bench with winger Francis Fainifo joining Fairbanks as the two new inclusions on the side’s reserves list. Winger Alfi Mafi remains on the bench after making his CA Brumbies debut last week, while Salesi Ma’afu, who scored his first Investec Super 14 try against the Sharks, will help provide coverage in the front row.


CA Brumbies v Cheetahs
Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein
Saturday, 4 April 2009
Kick-off: 3.00pm

1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. Guy Shepherdson
4. Ben Hand
5. Mark Chisholm
6. Mitchell Chapman
7. George Smith (c)
8. Julian Salvi
9. Joshua Holmes
10. Christian Lealiifano
11. Clyde Rathbone
12. Tyrone Smith
13. Stirling Mortlock
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
15. Mark Gerrard

Reserves
16. Huia Edmonds
17. Salesi Ma’afu
18. Sitaleki Timani
19. Peter Kimlin
20. Patrick Phibbs
21. Gene Fairbanks
22. Alfi Mafi
23. Francis Fainifo

** one to be omitted

http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/55672

[Burgs]

Toss of a coin in picking this one I believe.
It will come down to if you think they have regained their focus with some good news from Durban or are still on the sidewalk of last Sunday morning.

A focused Brumbies will tear the Cheetahs yet another "new hole" for their mate, a disorganised and distracted Brumbies will disintergrate for an upset loss.

It will have taken great leadership throughout the week and during the match to keep the young heads focused on the job at hand and in Smith and Mortlock they have two of the better leaders going around.
This factor alone puts even more weight on Mortlocks inclusion and would have ensured him not being rested an extra week.

I'd like to think they have the character to stand up and tip a comfortable win...but won't be surprised to wake up to a boilover.

[mudskipper]

just saw the start off Fox Rugby Club with Brumbies interviews at training... It's was likely taken Wednesday before the good news about Shawn MacKay, but the boys looked very drained... I hope they've got something to offer as I'm sure the Cheetahs see a chance big here to pick up a win at home...

Mortlock anchors the defense in the backline at 13…Discipline after such an emotional week will be very important as the Cheetahs have a very capable goal kicker… At least its at 12:00 not 2:00 in the morning this week...

Brumbies by a bonus point win...