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CA Brumbies name squad for Investec Super 14 opener
Monday, 9 February 2009
Brumbies Media Unit
The CA Brumbies have named a 23-man squad for their opening 2009 Investec Super 14 fixture against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday, 13 February.
The squad features 11 players with Test experience, including winger Clyde Rathbone who is set to make his first Investec Super 14 appearance since Week Nine, 2007.
CA Brumbies new recruits Stephen Moore, Sitaleki Timani, Shawn Mackay and Ben Hand are all in line to make their Investec Super 14 debut for their new province.
No.8 Stephen Hoiles will captain the side for the first time in an Investec Super 14 fixture, while the CA Brumbies’ Spring Tour contingent of Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Mark Chisholm, Peter Kimlin, Moore, Stirling Mortlock and George Smith have also been named for the Highlanders clash.
CA Brumbies Head Coach Andy Friend said his side is ready for “game time” as they kick off the Investec Super 14 against the Highlanders on Friday.
“Unfortunately a good pre-season doesn’t guarantee you a successful season, what it does do is gets you to the starting line in good shape,” he said.
“I’ve been very pleased with how our pre-season has run but we understand that counts for nothing now – all that matters is getting the result on Friday.
“We’ve had two good hit outs in the past two weeks but we realise we’ll need to up our physicality, and our effectiveness at the breakdown and set piece on Friday night.”
Winger Alfi Mafi is the only player unavailable for selection as he returns from an ankle injury.
The CA Brumbies will fly out for Dunedin on Tuesday.
Brumbies v Highlanders
Carisbrook, Dunedin (NZ)
Friday, 13 February 2009
Kick-off: 7.35pm local time (5.35pm AEDST)
Forwards: Ben Alexander, Mark Chisholm, Ben Hand, Nic Henderson, Stephen Hoiles (c), Peter Kimlin, Shawn Mackay, Stephen Moore, Julian Salvi, Guy Shepherdson, George Smith, Sitaleki Timani, John Ulugia
Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Francis Fainifo, Mark Gerrard, Josh Holmes, Christian Lealiifano, Stirling Mortlock, Patrick Phibbs, Clyde Rathbone, Tyrone Smith, Matt Toomua...
http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/55389