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Wallace-Harrison into CA Brumbies starting XV
Thursday, 15 February 2007
Brumbies Media Unit
CA Brumbies lock/back-rower (and good WA boy) Adam Wallace-Harrison has been selected in the starting XV for their clash against the Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
Wallace-Harrison replaces flanker Julian Salvi who was ruled out during the week with a grade one medial injury in his right knee.
Wallace-Harrison, who started at blindside flanker in two matches last season, says he’s looking forward to returning to the CA Brumbies’ back row.
“I really enjoy playing in the back row,” he said. “I played a bit of six and eight last year in what was one of my better seasons. I enjoy the freedom and the chance to get my hands on the ball. It also gives me a license to get around the park a bit more.”
Wallace-Harrison, a former member of the Reds, says the CA Brumbies – who have conceded just 12 penalties in two matches – will look to continue their disciplined performance against the Reds.
“The Reds have strung together two strong performances and we know they’ll be tough in Brisbane,” he said. “But we can only control what we do. We’ve worked hard on minimising the number of penalties we give away, particularly at the breakdown. Our other focus is to capitalise on the opportunities that we create for ourselves in our attacking 22.”
CA Brumbies head coach Laurie Fisher says his 200cm forward will provide a strong option in the lineout.
“Wal’s been a consistent performer for us over the past two seasons,” he said. “[Against the Reds] he’ll give us extra height in the lineout, he has a high work rate around the park and, like Salvi, he’s very hard at the ball.”
Wallace-Harrison remains the only change to the CA Brumbies’ forward pack while winger Mark Gerrard returns to the starting line-up after playing 75 minutes from the bench against Blues.
CA Brumbies captain Stirling Mortlock has been named at outside centre and underwent tests yesterday to clear him for Saturday’s match. Results will be known later today.
Lock/back rower Richard Stanford returns to the 22-man squad after representing the Brumby Runners against NSW ‘A’ last weekend while utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper reverts back to the bench.
Brumbies v Reds:
Player Position S14 caps S14 points
1 Nic Henderson Loosehead prop 39 0
2 Jeremy Paul Hooker 101 115
3 Guy Shepherdson Tighthead prop 35 0
4 Alister Campbell Lock 27 10
5 Mark Chisholm Lock 46 45
6 Adam Wallace-Harrison Blindside Flanker 20 5
7 George Smith Openside Flanker 83 75
8 Stephen Hoiles No.8 32 10
9 George Gregan Scrumhalf 125 117
10 Stephen Larkham Flyhalf 108 204
11 Mark Gerrard Wing 48 148
12 Gene Fairbanks Inside Centre 22 20
13 Stirling Mortlock © Outside Centre 94 835
14 Clyde Rathbone Wing 39 85
15 Julian Huxley Fullback 39 194
16 Saia Faingaa Reserve 6 0
17 Salesi Ma’afu Reserve 2 0
18 Richard Stanford Reserve 1 0
19 Jone Tawake Reserve 28 5
20 Patrick Phibbs Reserve 10 5
21 Adam Ashley-Cooper Reserve 17 10
22 Matt Carraro Reserve 1 0
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