CA Brumbies make one change for Stormers

The CA Brumbies have made one change to their line-up to take on the Stormers in their Investec Bank Super 14 Week Three encounter against the Stormers at Cape Town’s Newlands Stadium on Friday night (local time).

Lock Ben Hand makes his first run-on appearance for the side in 2010 having started every Investec Bank Super 14 match for the CA Brumbies in 2009. Hand replaces Justin Harrison in the second row with the veteran lock to start from the bench. Harrison will join Mitch Chapman on the CA Brumbies reserves list, 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.

Having made a dominant return to the Investec Bank Super 14 against the Bulls, flanker Rocky Elsom will combine with fellow back-rowers Stephen Hoiles and George Smith, whose try last week was his first since the side’s Week Seven Investec Bank Super 14 match against the Chiefs in 2006.

The CA Brumbies’ backline has remained untouched with Josh Valentine and Matt Giteau teaming up in the halves while Stirling Mortlock and Christian Lealiifano again form the centre pairing. Adam Ashley-Cooper, Francis Fainifo and Pat McCabe, who scored his maiden Investec Bank Super 14 try last weekend, make up the CA Brumbies’ back three.

The CA Brumbies will be chasing their first win at Newlands Stadium since 2004 when they defeated the Stormers 33-15.

After being beaten 50-32 by the Bulls last weekend, CA Brumbies 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.”

CA Brumbies v Stormers
Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
Friday, 26 February 2010         
Kick-off: 7.05pm local time (4.05am AEDT – Saturday, 27 February)

1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. Salesi Ma’afu
4. Ben Hand
5. Mark Chisholm
6. Rocky Elsom
7. George Smith
8. Stephen Hoiles (c)
9. Josh Valentine
10. Matt Giteau
11. Francis Fainifo
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Stirling Mortlock
14. Pat McCabe
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper

Reserves
16. Huia Edmonds
17. Guy Shepherdson
18. Justin Harrison
19. Mitchell Chapman
20. Patrick Phibbs
21. Matt Toomua
22. Tyrone Smith

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