Brumbies side to play Stormers announced
the Stormers' Jean de Villiers eludes Stirling Mortlock. (Getty Images)2008
The Brumbies have made one change to their line-up to take on the Stormers in their Super 14 Round Three encounter at Newlands on Friday.
Lock Ben Hand makes his first appearance for the side in 2010 having started every Super 14 match for the Brumbies in 2009. Hand replaces Justin Harrison in the second row with the veteran lock to start from the bench.
With Harrison on the replacements’ bench will be Mitch Chapman, who is in line to play his 50th Super Rugby match on Friday.
Hand will pack down alongside Mark Chisholm behind the front row of Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore and Salesi Ma’afu.
After his excellent performance against the Bulls, flank Rocky Elsom will again combine with fellow back-rowers Stephen Hoiles and George Smith, whose try last week was his first since the side’s Week Seven Super 14 match against the Chiefs in 2006.
The Brumbies’ backline remains intact with Josh Valentine and Matt Giteau teaming as halves while Stirling Mortlock and Christian Lealiifano again form the centre pair. Adam Ashley-Cooper, Francis Fainifo and 21-year-old Pat McCabe, who scored his first Super 14 try last weekend, make up the back three.
The Brumbies will be chasing their first win at Newlands since 2004 when they defeated the Stormers 33-15.
After being beaten 50-32 by the Bulls last weekend, head coach Andy Friend says his side will require a more sustained effort against the Stormers.
“Last week was a valuable eye-opener for us in that we understand if you play well for only 50 minutes you won’t get you the result,” he said. “In saying that, I was pleased with how we did front up in that first half and if we can string an 80-minute performance like that together it’ll stand us in good stead.
“However, one thing we do need to improve is our discipline. We’ve conceded 15 and 21 points respectively in penalty goals over the past two weeks, so we’ll be doing what we can to ensure we stay on the right side of those 50-50 decisions.
“There’s no doubt Friday’s game is a key one for us. If we can leave Perth and South Africa with two wins from the first three weeks, and seven of our next nine matches at home, it has the potential to set you up for a successful season.”
Brumbies: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Stirling Mortlock, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Stephen Hoiles (captain), 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Ben Hand, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Guy Shepherdson, 18 Justin Harrison, 19 Mitchell Chapman, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Matt Toomua, 22 Tyrone Smith.
Date: Friday, February 26
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT; 04.10 AEDT, Saturday February 27)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Pro Legoete (South Africa), Cobus Wessels (South Africa)
TMO: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)
[Info from Rugby 365]
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