Elsom, Giteau named in full strength Brumbies side to face Western Force

[shasta]

I spoke with Matt Toomua the other day and he is very keen to play Friday.

yeah and I spoke to Elvis

Translation for you X.

(Shouted from behind the fence towards a group of players signing autograpshs at a preseason trial.)

"Lookin' forward to the new season Matt?"

"Yeah, mate."

I spoke to Browny, Sam Harris, Donut and Ryan Cross the other day.

[mudskipper]

Alexander isn't 100% recovered and the little fatty isn't match fit. There seems to be only one or two Brumbies in the first XV who have played more than one trial and a handful of others haven't had any significant game time yet.

I don't think any player in the S14 is really match fit at the start of the season. Preseason matches are the coaches to rank the up and comers. In the end grim news is the Brumbies bench will come into play after the first 50 minutes and the points will follow.



Brumbies v Western Force
Members Equity Stadium, Perth
Friday, 12 February 2010
Kick-off: 7.05pm local time (10.05pm AEDST)

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

Reserves
16. Huia Edmonds
17. Salesi Ma’afu
18. Ben Hand
19. Mitchell Chapman
20. Patrick Phibbs
21. Tyrone Smith
22. Alfi Mafi

23. Afusipa Taumoepeau

[Sheikh]

I don't think any player in the S14 is really match fit at the start of the season. Preseason matches are the coaches to rank the up and comers.

Really? The season's only 13 matches, so if the coaches think they'll get the players up to match fitness after the first match they're risking throwing away 8% of their season.

Last season, the difference between the play-offs and the bottom half of the table (8th) was 5 points - a single match. Any coach who doesn't have his players match fit deserves a rocket.

[mudskipper]

Players are only really fully match fit after the first 2/3 weeks... They may display some fitness but are not really S14 fit. The mid to late rounds are played at a much faster pace. Its the bonus points which get teams into the semis...

[Burgs]

There are just as many points on offer in Round 1 as there are in Round 14.

[Thequeerone]

Gonna be an important hit up for both teams - a few injury concerns for you Muddie - along with the risks involved with the older players

[Sheikh]

Yep, start slow and you're always playing catch-up. Start quick and the confidence the players get from being in the top 4 ladder spots shows up on the field. Ergo, get match-fit in pre-season.

[.X.]

Translation for you X.

(Shouted from behind the fence towards a group of players signing autograpshs at a preseason trial.)

"Lookin' forward to the new season Matt?"

"Yeah, mate."

I spoke to Browny, Sam Harris, Donut and Ryan Cross the other day.

I appreciate the translation Shasta. But, one thing with your theory just doesnt quite gel.

MuddSplatter actually went to a game????

this does not compute

[mudskipper]

Gonna be an important hit up for both teams - a few injury concerns for you Muddie - along with the risks involved with the older players

Yep... and there will be more... it’s a tough game and its good to be a spectator…

[shasta]

good to be a spectator…

How would you know? Your a just a viewer.

[pieter blackie]

it is a fairly star studded line up isn't it!

Bring it on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mudskipper]

This Giteau playing Giteau not playing thing must be screwing with Mitchell's head...

I guess all he can do with Bart is sit and watch countless Western Force Giteau tapes with him so Bart can learn Giteau's moves...

[Burgs]

I doubt it.
They would have two plans that they would have had in place for the entire week.

[SleazyWineBaas]

I hate Canberra but I'd have to say, the Brumbies look like serious contenders on paper.
Our pack will have to really step up. Our backs are toilet by comparison.
Fairbrother looks like a tighthead demon and will give Alexander a workout. Our scrum will stand up
I'm worried about our lineout.
I think we will compete very well at the breakdown. Elsom will stand in the brumbies backline all night
Gosh Valentine is a weakness. dead set he's soft.
Gits mysterious quad injury is a big white elephant. Expect him to run sideways at pace all night.
It'll be hot. The game will open up in the second dig. We'd better be in front by 15+ with 20 minutes to go as our backs and bench are shite. Our hulking pack will tire

Force by 10
Expect some violence early

[mudskipper]

an entire week...

well we're screwed then...