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Bret Harris | May 27, 2009
Article from: The Australian
QUEENSLAND, still reeling over the anticipated loss of prized recruit, Wallabies blindside flanker Rocky Elsom, are set to make a play for Brumbies backrowers Julian Salvi and Mitch Chapman.
The Reds were regarded as the favourites to secure Elsom, the hero of Leinster's win against Leicester in the final of the Heineken Cup last Saturday, until The Australian revealed on Monday that the Brumbies were "sleepers" to sign him.
Queensland coach Phil Mooney had not heard anything official about Elsom's intentions, but he suspected speculation he was heading to Canberra was "on the money".
Wallabies back-five forward Hugh McMeniman has also confirmed his intention to play overseas, leaving the Reds short of both openside and blindside flankers.
The Reds are waiting to learn whether former All Blacks openside flanker Daniel Braid will reconsider leaving after his contract with Welsh team the Scarlets was cancelled because of injury.
If Braid decides to go, the Reds will approach Salvi, who is considering activating a get-out clause in his contract following Wallabies openside flanker George Smith's decision to re-sign with the Brumbies.
The Reds attempted to recruit Salvi a couple of years ago, but he decided to stay in Canberra.
"Julian is a guy we rate very highly," Reds coach Phil Mooney said. "It depends what happens with Daniel Braid. Julian is versatile, but seven is his spot. We have to wait and see what Daniel does, but Julian is a guy we would consider."
The arrival of Elsom in Canberra would also pave the way for the skilful Chapman to return to Queensland.
Meanwhile, the French squad to play Tests next month in New Zealand and Australia has been hit by injuries with three experienced players pulling out.
First to withdraw was halfback Morgan Parra who injured his left shoulder playing for Bourgoin against Northampton in the European Challenge Cup final on Friday. He was replaced by former first-choice No9 Dimitri Yachvili. On Monday, lock and captain Lionel Nallet and back-rower Imanol Harinordoquy were ruled out, to be replaced by Remy Martin and Damien Chouly. The French play the Wallabies in Sydney on June 27.
Additional reporting: AFP
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...015651,00.html