Brumbies 2011

[fatprop]

Hux has gone to the Rebels. He said something about it fitting his holistic approach and the Rebels offering as much off-field as on.

as well as better terms

 

[spectator]

I didn't think Genia played rugby until his teens? And started on the wing? Thought I read that somewhere.

Yep, arrived at BBC as a boarder in Grade 8 and played on the wing to begin with. I also remember him as a 5/8 for the firsts and concur with Tranquility's comments.

LG is also right about his older brother Frank. Loads of talent but only a fraction of the application.

 

[Newb]

Interesting to see Huxley gone, very inexperienced backs now at the Brumbies. Valentine, Gits & AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) & ............

Wonderful opportunities for To'omua and Lealiifano.

exactly. between these two, t smith, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and mccabe they have a lot of talent that just need some consistent opportunities. in AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)'s case it's more about stability than anything.

 

[mudskipper]

I can understand Huxley going... The Brumbies only had one year on the table rebel can given him two years and he gets to stay in OZ rugby... I wish him all the best... he'll always be a brumby to me... Once a Brumby always a brumby...

Rebels need to recruit some young guys, I expect will see a few signs after the S14 raps for 2010... I'm a little surprised they haven't bagged a Yarpie yet...

 

[RugbyReg]

Flyer Fainifo re-signs with CA Technologies Brumbies

The CA Technologies Brumbies have re-signed winger Francis Fainifo for a further two years.



Fainifo, who missed the final six matches of the CA Technologies Brumbies’ season after breaking his leg against the Chiefs in Week Seven, has been a regular in the ACT squad since making his Investec Bank Super 14 debut against the Bulls in 2007.



Now with 39 Investec Bank Super 14 caps to his name, the 26-year-old joined the CA Technologies Brumbies from the Brumbies Academy at the end of 2006.



The fleet-footed winger has represented the Prime Minister’s XV (2006) and Australia A (2008) and was the competition’s top try scorer in the 2007 Australian Rugby Championship.



Fainifo, a junior Western Suburbs Magpies rugby league representative, says he’s looking forward to returning to the field for the CA Technologies Brumbies in 2011.



“I always wanted to stay with the Brumbies; it’s where it all started for me and they gave me my chance,” he said. “Loyalty is a big thing for me; the Brumbies have been good to me and I wanted to repay them and stay.



“My family is a big part of my life and they wanted me to stay at the Brumbies; the Brumbies have looked after me while I’ve been here plus it’s only a couple of hours away from Campbelltown [where my parents live].



“I feel really comfortable at the Brumbies and my game is progressing under the great coaching and strength and conditioning staff we have here. Like all players, I’d love to earn that gold jersey one day but it’s something I’ve got to work for and being part of the Brumbies is where I think I’m most likely to achieve that.”



Head Coach Andy Friend says Fainifo provides the CA Technologies Brumbies with strike power on the end of the backline.



“Franky’s shown that he’s a player who can find his way to the try line,” he said. “He’s a good size for a winger and is very strong; defensively he’s solid and he’s an outside back with genuine pace and a good step.



“It was disappointing for him to miss the back half of the season but he’s been putting the time into his rehab to ensure he’ll bounce back just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than before.





“It’s pleasing to know that we have players of the calibre of Franky locked away beyond 2011 to ensure that the Brumbies continue to be a force beyond the World Cup.”



Francis Fainifo

Position: Wing

Physical: 1.90m, 90kg

Age: 25.11.1983, Sydney

Investec Bank Super 14 Caps: 39

Investec Bank Super 14 Points: 25 (5t)

Investec Bank Super 14 Debut: 2007 v Bulls, Canberra

 

[mudskipper]

do you reckon the Brumbies are losing their 'aura'? What I mean is that were always a club where players wanted to go and play. The culture was first rate, extremely positive and they played clever footy, usually succesfully. Players were drawn there.

Do you reckon that is changing? The Friend coach team has looked aimless at times this year. There are changes in the coaching team. The big players aren't perorming and two of their legends are leaving this year. And there's talk of behind the scenes dramas.

I reckon they always had a leg up on the other states as they seemed this fantastic family to be apart of. I am not so convinced anymore.

Well they're not a start team that took on the establishment anymore... however the fundamentals are still there. Next year they will be without long-term players Mortlock and Smith so their link to past glory is motivating but achieved by others. I think only Chiz and Giteau were in the last championship squad. But the foundations are solid and Fagan and Friend understand that. The Brumbies have an immense list of young talent To'omua, Alexander, Lealiifinao, Kimlin, Chapman and McCabe, and plenty more guys... I'm not so concerned they can challenge in 2011.

 

[TOCC]

Is there something astray at the brumbies?
Owen Finnegan and Ben Darwin have both quit

 

[Brumby Jack]

Ben Darwin

umm you mean Bill Young.

In other News the Rock is expected to stay on for a second year

 

[fatprop]

Ben Darwin

umm you mean Bill Young.

In other News the Rock is expected to stay on for a second year

Who is he choosing as forwards coach?

 

[TOCC]

bit hungover this morning so not really sure what i mean..

But, it still begs the question what is going on at the club if two coaches like Finnegan and Young quit

 

[TOCC]

Elsom laying down the law in Canberra.. Prima Donna much

Once the club finalises its coaching roster and Elsom is satisfied with it, he will confirm he is staying.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/new...set-to-see-out-brumbies-contract/1837545.aspx

 

[Tiger]

In isolation, I'd say that was fair enough - it's understandable that a player wants to know who's going to be on board for next year, particularly if there were problems in that area this year.

However, when you look at it along with the other rumours about Rocky being a prima donna (including, for example, wanting a say in the Reds selection etc when he was being courted by them), I wonder if there's a bit more to it than that...

One way to read all of this is that Rocky had clashes with the coaches, got some of them booted and now wants a say in who the next coaches will be...

 

[louie]

i like this about rocky, its not good enough then he's not going to stay.
he shouldn't be coached by anyone he doesn't want too. he wants to win, fair enough i say

 

[TOCC]

i like this about rocky, its not good enough then he's not going to stay.
he shouldn't be coached by anyone he doesn't want too. he wants to win, fair enough i say

true, however it also breeds team disharmony

 

[RugbyReg]

The ACT Brumbies are on the prowl for veteran Scott Staniforth as they strive to boost their outside-backs stocks.
Staniforth is one of seven players on coach Andy Friend's hit-list as he looks to fill three vacant positions on his roster.

The other six players are either incumbent squad members yet to be re-signed or Brumbies Academy youngsters.

Staniforth, 32, can fill either of the outside back roles, as well as inside centre.

His experience would be priceless for the Brumbies, who will be without Melbourne Rebels-bound duo Stirling Mortlock and Julian Huxley next year.

Mark Gerrard, who the Brumbies also held preliminary talks with about a possible return, is also set to sign with the Rebels this week.

Staniforth, a 12-time Wallaby, played 61 Super rugby games for the NSW Waratahs and joined the Western Force in 2006 after a stint overseas which included playing with Japanese club Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars.

He has been plagued by injuries in recent years.

Friend is yet to speak directly with Staniforth about a possible move to Canberra but admitted it was a conversation he was looking forward to having.

''He is a player on our list of interest, absolutely,'' the coach said.

''He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the game which is something we may be looking for, given we've lost some of our older guys.

''He also knows his way to the try line. He's a very handy footballer, has a good kicking game from deep in the field and while he's had a few injuries of late, he's somebody who could perfectly fit the mould at the Brumbies.''

The Brumbies have four positions to fill on their 2011 player roster three outside backs and a scrumhalf.

They will also have to replace Rocky Elsom and/or Stephen Hoiles should either decide to leave the club.

Reinvigorated scrumhalf Josh Valentine is guaranteed a spot next season but Friend is yet to decide between Patrick Phibbs, Nic White and James Stannard.

Valentine is hoping his Brumbies resurgence this season and his proven rapport with Matt Giteau ends his days as Australian rugby's forgotten man.

Valentine was left a shattered figure last year when overlooked for the Wallabies' grand slam tour in favour of a massive bolter in sevens specialist Richard Kingi.

The ''kick in the teeth'' had also come after the start of Will Genia's meteoric rise had knocked him off Australia's bench last winter.

But Genia's knee injury and back-up Luke Burgess's concerning lack of improvement has the door well and truly open for Valentine to add to his six Test caps with a possible first starting appearance in the Wallabies June 5 season-opener against Fiji at Canberra Stadium.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will announce his 30-man squad tomorrow, plus 10 more for mid-week Barbarians duty against England.

Following a strong and consistent Super 14 for the Brumbies, where he starred in vital late-season wins over the Queensland Reds and Otago Highlanders, Valentine has his fingers crossed for a change in fortune.

''That was very disappointing for myself,'' the 27-year-old said.

''To be a part of the original [2009] squad and then miss out on the Tri Nations.

''Then it was even more of a kick in the teeth when I didn't get announced again on the spring tour.

''I was pretty shattered but they said they wanted to try and bring on some younger guys and wanted to play Will and Luke Burgess in the Tests and also midweek games so it would have been a waste of time for me.

''But you never want to be left at home.

''I thought all I could do was play good for the Brum's and I thought I put a solid performance in this year and if it was good enough we'll find out soon.''

While Valentine said Deans had no negative feedback for him, the half who has played for all four Australian provinces took it upon himself to improve his act off the field.

He went back to the Brumbies and tried to become the best team man he could and, on the advice of coach Friend, also become a leader of the national capital team.

Valentine believed his chances of Wallabies selection would rise with Giteau retained at No10.

''Gits and I are pretty good mates and understanding his game and understanding my game I think we've got that down pat now but seriously that's out of our hands,'' he said.

''I guess if you are going to get an opportunity it's going to be healthier for me if Gits is at 10 and I'm at nine.''

''But either way it would be a big thrill.''

Stani would be a great signing. An outside back? I'd be aiming for no further out than 13 to be honest.

 

[Geeves]

Stani would be a great signing. An outside back? I'd be aiming for no further out than 13 to be honest.

Damn Staniforth's signing should make Giteau nervous. I believe some of Staniforth's best games have been at IC. I don't think he still has the pace needed for wing and he is not a fullback. A Staniforth and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) centre combination would be a great hard hitting propostion (bit like Nonu and Umaga for the Canes or Grey and Little for NSW).

 

[RugbyReg]

totally agree. That'd be a pretty fantastic centre combo.

15 Lealiifano
14 Franky
13 AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
12 Stani
11 McCabe
10 Gits
9 Val

 

[Geeves]

totally agree. That'd be a pretty fantastic centre combo.

15 Lealiifano
14 Franky
13 AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
12 Stani
11 McCabe
10 Gits
9 Val

I'm not sold that Gits would then logically run at 10. But otherwise the backs look about right. I think Giteau could be very nervous. The team selection could raise a lot of hackles.

 

[Slim 293]

Staniforth?!

Why?!

The Brumbies already have plenty of options for inside backs and centres!!! To'omua, Giteau, Lilo, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), McCabe, Andrew Smith, Tyrone Smith, Ed Stubbs...

WE NEED SOME FRIGGIN' WINGERS!!!

If the Brumbies sign Staniforth then I think it's time to find a replacement for Fagan...

 

[sudrugby]

Anyone knows where George Smith is going to play next year? Japan? Europe?