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Brumbies sweat on Giteau, Elsom

Andy Friend has selected injured Wallabies Matt Giteau and Rocky Elsom for the Brumbies’ opening Super 14 clash against the Western Force on Friday.

Elsom (ankle) and Giteau (quadriceps) are still suffering from their respective injuries, but Friend will start the duo should they be given the go-head.

Elsom is expected to recover in time for the trip to Perth, but Giteau has a 50-50 chance of recovery and has been bracketed with deputy pivot Matt Toomua, who had a short stint with Western Province last year.

Should Giteau recover in time, Toomua will fall out of the match 22.

Brumbies – 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Stirling Mortlock, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Matt Giteau/Matt Toomua, 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Stephen Hoiles (c), 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Justin Harrison, 4 Mark Chisholm, 3 Guy Shepherdson, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Subs: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Salesi Maafu, 18 Ben Hand, 19 Mitchell Chapman, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Tyrone Smith, 22 Alfi Mafi/Afusipa Taumoepeau.

Bartholomeusz succeeds Pretorius

Utility back Mark Bartholomeusz will be the Western Force’s first-choice flyhalf with André Pretorius out for the season.

After an impressive pre-season showing against the Sharks at Newlands, incumbent pivot Pretorius was ruled out of this year’s Super 14 after picking up a serious hamstring injury during training last week.

Bartholomeusz, who has had stints with Ulster and Saracens and has one Wallabies Test cap to his name, will now spearhead the Force.

The 33-year-old believes he can excel at flyhalf this season.

‘Obviously it’s heartbreaking for Andre…the news he’s going to miss the whole season, but things move on and opportunities arise for other people,’ said Bartholomeusz.

‘I’ve played in that role before. It’s a position I enjoy playing and at this stage of my career probably my best position.’

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 12:01 am and is filed under Super 14. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.