Brumbies v Waratahs Trial

[Brumby Jack]

This Thursday night at Viking Park Erindale.

Kick off is at 7:30pm and the curtain raiser will be the Brumby Runners v Sydney Uni from 6pm. This will be interesting since a majority of Sydney Uni 1st grade would be in the Waratahs.

Brumbies team should be announced later today with Elsom in doubt with a hamstring injury.

 

[Lee Grant]

There will be a few Uni guys with either of the Brumbies teams too - and some absent with the Force.

I suppose that the Brumbies will use most of their contracted squad in the main game; so it probably won't be of the usual standard of Brumby Runners. And most of the Sydney Uni 1st Grade team wouldn't be available either.

I'd like to see winger Nick Edwards of Uni get a run though. I rate him.

Bad news about Rocky. Force fans will hope that he and Giteau recover and are available for Rd. 2. :lmao: :lmao:

For those driving from Sydney dont miss the Yarra Glenn turn off from Adelaide Ave (after you have gone over the lake and done a 3/4 circuit of the round thing) - I miss it just about every time. Then keep left to go on Yamba Drive then follow Erindale Drive when it comes up and turn off right at Amsinck St and you're there.

 

[RugbyReg]

Wallabies back for CA Brumbies to tackle Tahs

The CA Brumbies have named a near full-strength starting XV to take on the Waratahs in their final pre-season match at Viking Park on Thursday night.

The ACT side’s forward pack has benefited from the return all but two of their Wallaby Spring Tourists with hooker Stephen Moore, lock Mark Chisholm and flanker George Smith all returning to the fold. New recruit and Wallaby captain Rocky Elsom has also been named on the blindside flank to make his first appearance since joining the CA Brumbies.

Matt Giteau (quad) and Ben Alexander (hand) were the only two players not considered due to injury.

The backline has also received a revamp from the one that went down to the Hurricanes 26-5 in New Zealand on Friday, with pivot Matt To'omua joining scrumhalf Josh Valentine in the halves and Christian Lealiifano shifting to inside centre to form a new-look midfield with Stirling Mortlock.

Returning Wallabies fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper will head the CA Brumbies outside backs with Andrew Smith and Pat McCabe each recovering from quadriceps injuries to take up their positions on the wings.

Head Coach Andy Friend says Thursday’s match is an important one with the start of the Investec Bank Super 14 just 11 days away.

“Friday’s trial [against the Hurricanes] was a good starting point for us and obviously we’ll look to build on that for Thursday night,” he said. “We’re still in the pre-season, there will be some glitches but this is the time to identify them and address them before the competition starts in earnest against the Force on February 12.

“In saying that, it’s great to be able to include another five Wallabies in our side. They’re some of the best players in their respective positions and it’s important for them to get some game time under their belt before we head to Perth.

“The Tahs will again be a benchmark side of the competition this season. They’ve had two good hit-outs [against the Reds and Fiji Warriors] during their pre-season and they’ll give us a fairly good indication of where we stand leading into the season.”

Tickets for Thursday night’s match are still available from Brumbies Rugby headquarters and the Vikings Group of Clubs, with grandstand tickets only available from the Vikings Club Erindale.

Meanwhile, the Brumby Runners have named an extended 26-man squad to take on the 2009 Shute Shield champions, Sydney University.

The curtain-raiser will feature eight CA Brumbies and 18 members of the Brumbies Academy representing the Runners.

CA Brumbies v Waratahs
Viking Park, Canberra
Thursday, 3 February 2010
Kick-off: 7.30pm



Salesi Ma’afu
Stephen Moore
Guy Shepherdson
Ben Hand
Mark Chisholm
Rocky Elsom
George Smith
Stephen Hoiles (c)
Josh Valentine
Matt To'omua
Pat McCabe
Christian Lealiifano
Stirling Mortlock
Andrew Smith
Adam Ashley-Cooper

Reserves

Huia Edmonds
John Ulugia
Justin Harrison
Mitch Chapman
Henry Vanderglas
Patrick Phibbs
Tyrone Smith
Francis Fainifo

Brumby Runners v Sydney University
Viking Park, Canberra
Thursday, 3 February 2010
Kick-off: 6.00pm

John Ulgia
Anthony Hegarty
Steven Noriega
Justin Harrison
Sitaleki Timani
Colby Fainga'a
Michael Hooper
Ita Vaea
Patrick Phibbs
Robbie Coleman
Alfi Mafi
Ed Stubbs
Tyrone Smith
Afusipa Taumoepeau
Francis Fainifo

Reserves

Nathan Charles
Chris Barbaro
Tim Metcher
Hugh Pyle
Liam Winton
Jesse Parahi
Anthony Dawes
Rod Esekia
Kurt Mulcahy
Tyler Stevens
Jesse Mogg

 

[PhucNgo]

Wallabies back for CA Brumbies to tackle Tahs

The CA Brumbies have named a near full-strength starting XV to take on the Waratahs in their final pre-season match at Viking Park on Thursday night.

The ACT side’s forward pack has benefited from the return all but two of their Wallaby Spring Tourists with hooker Stephen Moore, lock Mark Chisholm and flanker George Smith all returning to the fold. New recruit and Wallaby captain Rocky Elsom has also been named on the blindside flank to make his first appearance since joining the CA Brumbies.

Matt Giteau (quad) and Ben Alexander (hand) were the only two players not considered due to injury.

The backline has also received a revamp from the one that went down to the Hurricanes 26-5 in New Zealand on Friday, with pivot Matt To'omua joining scrumhalf Josh Valentine in the halves and Christian Lealiifano shifting to inside centre to form a new-look midfield with Stirling Mortlock.

Returning Wallabies fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper will head the CA Brumbies outside backs with Andrew Smith and Pat McCabe each recovering from quadriceps injuries to take up their positions on the wings.

Head Coach Andy Friend says Thursday’s match is an important one with the start of the Investec Bank Super 14 just 11 days away.

“Friday’s trial [against the Hurricanes] was a good starting point for us and obviously we’ll look to build on that for Thursday night,” he said. “We’re still in the pre-season, there will be some glitches but this is the time to identify them and address them before the competition starts in earnest against the Force on February 12.

“In saying that, it’s great to be able to include another five Wallabies in our side. They’re some of the best players in their respective positions and it’s important for them to get some game time under their belt before we head to Perth.

“The Tahs will again be a benchmark side of the competition this season. They’ve had two good hit-outs [against the Reds and Fiji Warriors] during their pre-season and they’ll give us a fairly good indication of where we stand leading into the season.”

Tickets for Thursday night’s match are still available from Brumbies Rugby headquarters and the Vikings Group of Clubs, with grandstand tickets only available from the Vikings Club Erindale.

Meanwhile, the Brumby Runners have named an extended 26-man squad to take on the 2009 Shute Shield champions, Sydney University.

The curtain-raiser will feature eight CA Brumbies and 18 members of the Brumbies Academy representing the Runners.

CA Brumbies v Waratahs
Viking Park, Canberra
Thursday, 3 February 2010
Kick-off: 7.30pm



Salesi Ma’afu
Stephen Moore
Guy Shepherdson
Ben Hand
Mark Chisholm
Rocky Elsom
George Smith
Stephen Hoiles (c)
Josh Valentine
Matt To'omua
Pat McCabe
Christian Lealiifano
Stirling Mortlock
Andrew Smith
Adam Ashley-Cooper

Reserves

Huia Edmonds
John Ulugia
Justin Harrison
Mitch Chapman
Henry Vanderglas
Patrick Phibbs
Tyrone Smith
Francis Fainifo

Brumby Runners v Sydney University
Viking Park, Canberra
Thursday, 3 February 2010
Kick-off: 6.00pm

John Ulgia
Anthony Hegarty
Steven Noriega
Justin Harrison
Sitaleki Timani
Colby Fainga'a
Michael Hooper
Ita Vaea
Patrick Phibbs
Robbie Coleman
Alfi Mafi
Ed Stubbs
Tyrone Smith
Afusipa Taumoepeau
Francis Fainifo

Reserves

Nathan Charles
Chris Barbaro
Tim Metcher
Hugh Pyle
Liam Winton
Jesse Parahi
Anthony Dawes
Rod Esekia
Kurt Mulcahy
Tyler Stevens
Jesse Mogg

With 11 reserves they might even have a shot at it. :yay Although Harrison will play it straight down the line, I'm sure. :lmao:

 

[Lee Grant]

So they are not having a cast of thousands for the main game. Therefore the Runners team will be of good quality with quite a few players who have started in Super14 before.

Can 't wait to see 18 y.o. Michael Hooper play senior rugby.

 

[PhucNgo]

So they are not having a cast of thousands for the main game. Therefore the Runners team will be of good quality with quite a few players who have started in Super14 before.

Can 't wait to see 18 y.o. Michael Hooper play senior rugby.

So what do you make of Tyrone playing at 13 for the runners?

 

[Brumbies Guy]

Can 't wait to see 18 y.o. Michael Hooper play senior rugby.

Michael Hooper at 7 (18), and Robbie Coleman at 10 (19) will be the one's to keep an eye on for the runners.

Curtain raiser doesn't look too bad at all

 

[Lee Grant]

Welcome aboard Brumbies Dude

Yeah Coleman is probably the best schools flyhalf from the ACT in ages. He wasn't a world beater but had an impressive steady game similar to that of To'omua. I haven't seen him as a senior player and I look forward to doing just that on Thursday night.

Michael Hooper was an outstanding schools talent but missed most of 2009 because of a cruel injury. Have you seen him play yet? I hope that you guys are in for real treat. If he can take his schools form to the professional level you won't have to look far for George Smith's successor.

Meantime I hope he comes back to Sydney to play senior club rugby and learn his trade.

We have space at the Rats. No problemo.

 

[Spook]

Hear ye all!

Lealiifano at 12
To'omua at 10

My vision is taking shape.

 

[The Chosen]

Welcome aboard Brumbies Dude

Yeah Coleman is probably the best schools flyhalf from the ACT in ages. He wasn't a world beater but had an impressive steady game similar to that of To'omua. I haven't seen him as a senior player and I look forward to doing just that on Thursday night.

Michael Hooper was an outstanding schools talent but missed most of 2009 because of a cruel injury. Have you seen him play yet? I hope that you guys are in for real treat. If he can take his schools form to the professional level you won't have to look far for George Smith's successor.

Meantime I hope he comes back to Sydney to play senior club rugby and learn his trade.

We have space at the Rats. No problemo.

With Manly blood in his veins since he was a 10 year old and a Dad who was a Manly 1st Grade prop I don't like your chances LG!

 

[Lee Grant]

Arghhhhhhhhh - the Blue Slime.

 

[MrTimms]

I won a couple of tickets to this match via the brumbies twitter trivia yesterday.

Last night I got informed I am needed in Perth this weekend, so no game for me...

Anyone here interested in my tickets? Just PM me.

 

[Newb]

that's a lot of backline shuffling between this coming trial and what was run out against the canes last week, but of course they got trounced. and that's before gits is even added to the picture!

seems like musical chairs so far -- leals, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), fainifo, tsmith, To'omua all will have played several positions.

trials are trials and all that, but i'd still like to see them land on some kind of consistent arrangement during the real season, precluding injuries. yoinking around isn't ideal in my mind.

 

[Ash]

Anyone got the Tahs and Sydney Uni teams yet? (I'm guessing that Bruce will have the Uni one, but it will be much weakened by the loss of most [all?] of their S14 players.)

Interesting that Charles is behind Hegarty (who is he?) in the Runners. Bet Uni would've liked to have him playing for them in that warm up.

For the Brumbies - the selection of the wingers is really interesting: Pat McCabe and Andrew Smith.

 

[Lee Grant]

I think A. Smith and McCabe are auditioning for a S14 bench spot, since Alfi and Frankie will likely be the starting wingers.

Smith's goal kicking ability won't be a factor in the equation unless there are a few injuries. As I mentioned before: McCabe was terrific for the Rats this year at fullback; so if he can make a good fist of playing on the wing, he could be in the matchday 22.

On the other hand Smith is a good footie player.

Tough call.

 

[fatprop]

I think A. Smith and McCabe are auditioning for a S14 bench spot, since Alfi and Frankie will likely be the starting wingers.

Smith's goal kicking ability won't be a factor in the equation unless there are a few injuries. As I mentioned before: McCabe was terrific for the Rats this year at fullback; so if he can make a good fist of playing on the wing, he could be in the matchday 22.

On the other hand Smith is a good footie player.

Tough call.

I have always liked a side that has one wing that is essentially a 2nd 15. McCabe is the only guy they have that could fit that bill.

 

[fatprop]

HSBC Waratahs name side for final pre-season match

» Back to News Listing

Tuesday, 2 February 2010
NSWRU Media Unit
HSBC Waratahs head coach Chris Hickey has named a 30-man squad for Thursday's clash against the Brumbies in Canberra.

Wallabies Benn Robinson, Dean Mumm and Lachie Turner have been named in the starting line-up for their first outings in 2010, while reserve backrower Ben Mowen will play his first match in almost six months after recovering from knee surgery.

Drew Mitchell is still recovering from a hamstring injury which ruled him out of Saturday's clash with the Fiji Warriors, and while not considered for selection, he is expected to be fit for the opening round of the Super 14.

"We're getting some clarity around our team for round one but there's still a number of players and combinations we want to look at," said Hickey. "It's good to have three more Wallabies come back in this week, and Benny Mowen will get plenty of game time as well which will be good for him."

Like the first two trials, Hickey has stated his intention to use his bench in the final two quarters to allow all players the chance to impress the coaching team.

"It is a trial for all 30 players who we're taking to Canberra so they'll all get an opportunity to put their hand up," said Hickey. "Being the third of three trials we're hoping to take another step up this week and we'll need to with the opposition we're coming up against.

"The Brumbies have a really experienced squad but they've also got a number of players pushing for a place in round one as well so we know it's going to be a really tough hit-out."

Super 14 Trial
BRUMBIES V HSBC WARATAHS
Thursday 4 February 2010 (Kick-off 7:30pm AEST)
Viking Park, Wanniassa ACT

HSBC WARATAHS
15. Sosene Anesi (HSBC Waratahs)
14. Lachie Turner (Eastwood/HSBC Waratahs)
13. Tom Carter (Sydney University/HSBC Waratahs)
12. Daniel Halangahu (Sydney University/HSBC Waratahs)
11. Nemani Nadolo (Manly/HSBC Waratahs)
10. Berrick Barnes (HSBC Waratahs)
9. Luke Burgess (Sydney University/HSBC Waratahs)
8. Wycliff Palu (Manly/HSBC Waratahs)
7. Phil Waugh [c] (Sydney University/HSBC Waratahs)
6. Dean Mumm (Sydney University/HSBC Waratahs)
5. Cam Jowitt (Manly/HSBC Waratahs)
4. Kane Douglas (Southern Districts/HSBC Junior Waratahs)
3. Al Baxter (Northern Suburbs/HSBC Waratahs)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Parramatta/HSBC Waratahs)
1. Benn Robinson (Eastwood/HSBC Waratahs)
Reserves
16. Damien Fitzpatrick (Eastwood/HSBC Waratahs)
17. Sekope Kepu (Randwick/HSBC Waratahs)
18. Hendrik Roodt (Gordon/HSBC Waratahs)
19. Chris Thomson (Warringah/HSBC Waratahs)
20. Brendan KcKibbin (Eastern Suburbs/HSBC Junior Waratahs)
21. Ben Seymour (Manly/HSBC Waratahs)
22. Locky McCaffrey (Eastwood/HSBC Junior Waratahs)
23. Dan Palmer (Southern Districts/HSBC Waratahs)
24. Ben Mowen (Randwick/HSBC Waratahs)
25. Josh Holmes (Warringah/HSBC Waratahs)
26. Alex Rokobaro (Sydney University/HSBC Junior Waratahs)
27. Dave Dennis (Sydney University/HSBC Waratahs)
28. Rory Sidey (West Harbour/HSBC Waratahs)
29. Peter Betham (Sydney University/Wider Training Group)
30. Adam D'Arcy (Manly/HSBC Junior Waratahs)

 

[fatprop]

No Beale ..........

 

[Ash]

I think A. Smith and McCabe are auditioning for a S14 bench spot, since Alfi and Frankie will likely be the starting wingers.

Smith's goal kicking ability won't be a factor in the equation unless there are a few injuries. As I mentioned before: McCabe was terrific for the Rats this year at fullback; so if he can make a good fist of playing on the wing, he could be in the matchday 22.

On the other hand Smith is a good footie player.

Tough call.

Lee - I am uncertain on that. I wouldn't be surprised if they are auditioning for the other wing spot ahead of Mafi. Why? A bench with A. Smith or McCabe would leave no room for T. Smith once Giteau returns, as one of To'omua or Lealiifano will go to the bench.

Of course, you may be right and T. Smith may not make the bench, or Lealiifano or To'omua (whichever is dropped) may not make the bench.

 

[James Buchanan]

No Beale ..........

No Mitchell either.