Mortlock concern for Brumbies

16 Mar 2010

Keo.co.za brings you the latest Super 14 news from Australia.

Mortlock concern for Brumbies

Stirling Mortlock is likely to miss the Brumbies’ clash with the Blues on Friday.

Mortlock suffered a neck and shoulder injury in the Brumbies win over the Sharks last weekend and it is doubtful whether he will recover in time for the trip to Auckland.

Tyrone Smith will start in the No 13 jersey should Mortlock be ruled out.

Meanwhile, head coach Andy Friend said Julian Huxley, who recently returned to the Brumbies after retiring when he discovered a brain tumour more than two years ago, is close to making his return to Super Rugby after impressing for the Brumby Runners over the weekend.

‘Huxley’ looked like he hadn’t spent a day off the park,’ Friend told smh.com.au. ‘But we’ll probably look to give him one more game this weekend for the Runners.

‘With another performance like that and some more match fitness there’s no reason why he wouldn’t be pushing for a spot in the game-day 22.’

This thread will be updated throughout the course of the day…


9 Comments

  • 1.grant10: Reply to this comment
    16 Mar 2010, 08:55 am

    he is playing poorly

  • 2.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    16 Mar 2010, 09:04 am

    @grant10: Yep…running outta puff imo…

  • 3.DonutDunning: Reply to this comment
    16 Mar 2010, 10:07 am

    @grant10: I wouldn’t say poorly, his defense is still rock solid, he just isn’t having the impact in attack he used to.
    All those injuries look to have finally caught up with him.

    Interested to see who replaces him in the gametime 22.
    It will likely be the speedster Alfi Mafi, but I am hoping it is Andrew Smith. 194cm 106kg centre, was Shute Shield (Sydney club rugby) player of the year in 2009.
    Has the potential to be a perfect like-for-like replacement to the aging Mortlock.

  • 4.WP_: Reply to this comment
    16 Mar 2010, 10:10 am

    @DonutDunning: A midfield combo of Lealifano and Tyrone Smith would be pretty exciting…

  • 5.DonutDunning: Reply to this comment
    16 Mar 2010, 10:18 am

    @WP_: Definitely has promise, I just think Tyrone’s best position is 12. That said, despite my initial doubts Lealifano at 12 has been the best back for the Brumbies so far this year.

  • 6.WP_: Reply to this comment
    16 Mar 2010, 10:21 am

    @DonutDunning: Oh I see. Hasnt he played 13 before though? But if’s he more of a 12 what are the other options?

    You reckon Andrew Smith looks the goods?

  • 7.DonutDunning: Reply to this comment
    16 Mar 2010, 10:41 am

    @WP_: Yep he has played 13 a few times before.
    Sorry I didn’t explain myself too well, Tyrone will definitely be the starting 13, I was just speculating who will take the reserve back spot.
    Tough to say whether Andrew Smith can make the step up until he does – Sydney club comp seems to be on par with Vodacom Cup and you would be well aware of all the SA players who look fantastic there and fail at S14 level – but he has the size and speed to really make an impact.

  • 8.Seven: Reply to this comment
    16 Mar 2010, 15:04 pm

    @DonutDunning: only difference with that and the vodacom cup is that for years it has been the feeding ground for youngsters but also mainly black players that cant cut it in the super 14.

    never seen the guy, but smith’s size will no doubt aid him.

    aus and new zealand with the npc alike, the players barely battle to make the step up such is the professionalism in both unions

  • 9.Kerneels: Reply to this comment
    16 Mar 2010, 16:00 pm

    Play AAC at 13…listen to Kerneels, rather look for a 15 replacement.

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