This Sunday afternoon sees the battle of the Australian conference cellar-dwellers when the Brumbies entertain the Western Force in Canberra.
The Brumbies are coming off a less than convincing one-point victory over the Hurricanes, which should give them some confidence over a struggling Force side that was comprehensively smashed by the Waratahs last week. The game offers a chance for both teams to gain their maiden win over Australian opposition in season 2011.
The locals have had a spring in their step at training this week thanks to their second win of the season. It’s been a long time between wins and with confidence high among the group, the Brumbies will be looking to keep the momentum up before they head into the bye week, followed by their tour of South Africa.
The Brumbies have named a team that sees four changes to the match-day 22 from last week. Huia Edmonds has been ruled out with a hamstring strain that sees third string hooker Anthony Hegarty gain his starting debut. Coming onto the bench is the man with the very rock n’ roll name from the Brumbies’ academy squad, Elvis Levi.
Dan Palmer returns to the starting tighthead prop spot, at the expense of Salesi Ma’afu, after being rested in recent weeks. Palmer was performing well in the early rounds and coaching staff thought it would be best to give him some reduced time to make sure he got through the expanded season.
There’s been a round of musical chairs in the backline, with Francis Fainifo regain his starting position on the left wing after Henry Speight was ruled out with a serious injury. The other changes see Pat McCabe slotting in on the wing and Adam Ashley-Cooper dropping back to the bench, after limited training this week due to a hip injury.
The Brumbies are sticking with their tri-half system that looks more like a rotating door than anything else. Although the backline is numbered nine to fifteen as per usual, expect those numbers to appear anywhere at different times.
The Force are sitting five points adrift of the Brumbies on the table; however, that could have been so much different if they’d shown some composure in closing out matches. Late fade-outs against the Blues and the Rebels saw competition points dropped and prompted a few questions about their mental strength.
The westerners have had their fair share of injury problems, with their back row missing two of their best in David Pocock and Matt Hodgson. Also ruled out this week is Cameron Shepherd, who took a spill and landed awkwardly in the Waratahs match. Taking his place at fullback — and making his first SupeRugby start — is Pat Dellit.
Adding to the Force’s problems this week has been speculation over where their star player James O’Connor will be playing in 2012. The rumour is that a deal with the Melbourne Rebels has already been closed, which will see Rabbit heading to join his mate Kurtley ‘Gilbert’ Beale there in 2o12.
It’s not been all bad news for the Force, though: they’ve secured the re-signings of foundation captain Nathan Sharpe for a further season and Ben McCalman for two more years. This should give rookie coach Richard Graham some confidence for the future.
One interesting side-note: at least two players in the Force squad who left the National Capital to further their rugby careers now find themselves back on the bench at Canberra Stadium.
Key matchup: Although named at fly-half, expect Matt Giteau to line up against James O’Connor at various stages throughout the match. The man on his way to France could show the boy on his way to Melbourne (allegedly) a few things that could change the game, but don’t expect O’Connor to hold back on pulling a few tricks of his own.
Tip: The backline battle could be vital to determining who wins, and we can expect some nasty surprises from the visitors if the Honey Badger can get his claws on the ball. But the Brumbies are comfortable playing at home, have all the momentum of a one-win streak, and should add to that in a close one. May the Force be with the Brumbies by 5.
Teams:
Brumbies: 15. Matt Toomua, 14. Pat McCabe, 13. Andrew Smith, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Francis Fainifo, 10. Matt Giteau, 9. Josh Valentine, 8. Ita Vaea, 7. Michael Hooper, 6. Peter Kimlin, 5. Mark Chisholm, 4. Ben Hand, 3. Dan Palmer, 2. Anthony Hegarty, 1. Ben Alexander. Reserves: 16. Elvis Levi, 17. Salesi Ma’afu, 18. Colby Faingaa, 19. Julian Salvi, 20. Patrick Phibbs, 21. Tyrone Smith, 22. Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Force: 15. Pat Dellit, 14. Nick Cummins, 13. Rory Sidey, 12. James O’Connor, 11. David Smith, 10. Willie Ripia, 9. Brett Sheehan, 8. Ben McCalman, 7. Jono Jenkins, 6. Richard Brown, 5. Nathan Sharpe, 4. Sam Wykes, 3. Tim Fairbrother, 2. Ben Whittaker, 1. Kieran Longbottom. Reserves: 16. Nathan Charles, 17. Pek Cowan, 18. Tom Hockings, 19. Tevita Metuisela, 20. James Stannard, 21. Gene Fairbanks, 22. Alfie Mafi.
Referee: Keith Brown (NZ)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Aus), Andrew Lees (Aus)
Television match official: George Ayoub (Aus)
