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February 10, 2010
THE in-demand talent of Matt Giteau's understudy has convinced Brumbies coach Andy Friend that he doesn't need to risk his star recruit in the season opener against the Force unless the Wallabies five-eighth is 100 per cent fit.
Giteau was bracketed at five-eighth with 20-year-old Matt Toomua in the Brumbies line-up yesterday, following the Australian star's steady recovery from a quadriceps strain suffered two weeks ago.
Rocky Elsom was also picked for his Brumbies debut, while prop Ben Alexander and veteran lock Justin Harrison were included to shore up the pack.
Giteau will be tested today in Perth ahead of Friday night's clash with his old team but Friend says he will take an ultra-cautious approach given a re-occurrence could see the No. 10 miss their looming South African tour.
"Definitely we won't risk him if he is not totally right," Friend said last night.
A significant factor in Friend's decision is that he doesn't need to risk Giteau with Toomua also in his squad.
The boom rookie played for the Brumbies last season as a teenager and was so impressive in a Currie Cup stint with Western Province that the Stormers made approaches to sign him.
Toomua is also highly regarded by Wallabies coach Robbie Deans and the youngster went on the Spring Tour last year, only to break his jaw against Cardiff. He returned recently and starred against NSW in a trial last week.
"We have a real luxury of depth there with Matty. If Gits weren't to play, we know he can get out there and do a job for us," Friend said of Toomua.
Friend expects Force veteran Mark Bartholomeusz to step in at No. 10 following Andre Pretorius' injury.
"That combination they used in beating the Reds was solid, with Brett Sheehan and 'Barty' in the halves and James O'Connor at fullback," he said.
"I think they'll be keeping that mix. Barty is a very experienced footballer."
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