09/02/2010 10:00 AM
Star recruit Matt Giteau has been included in a 23-man Brumbies squad ahead of Friday's Round 1 Super 14 clash against the Western Force in Perth.
Giteau, who remains a 50-50 chance of playing against his former Force team-mates as he continues to battle a quadriceps injury suffered in training a fortnight ago, has been named at flyhalf.
Young gun Matt Toomua has been bracketed alongside the Wallabies No.10 and will partner Christian Lealiifano in the midfield if Giteau is unable to prove his fitness.
Brumbies coach Andy Friend admits the Wallabies veteran is no certainty to take the field in the season opener, but confirmed the 27-year-old will be given until game day to prove his fitness.
"Matt's still touch and go at this stage," Friend said.
"You never want to leave a player like that out of the side and we'll be giving him every opportunity to play against his old side."
"He's comfortable with where he's at at the moment and the medical staff has been pleased with how it's been progressing."
"We'll be giving him up until the last possible minute on Friday but we're very mindful that you don't want to be risking someone like that should they not be 100 percent ready to go."
The Brumbies' other new face Rocky Elsom is expected to play after overcoming a hamstring complaint that prevented him playing a trial match with his new club.
In another major boost for the Canberra-based club, prop Ben Alexander has been passed fit after making a quicker than expected recovery from a broken hand to form an all-Wallabies front row with Stephen Moore and Guy Shepherdson.
Outside back Pat McCabe has also overcome a quad strain and will make his Super 14 debut on the right wing, while controversial lock Justin Harrison will make his first appearance for the Brumbies since 2003.
Mark Chisholm will join Harrison in the second row with Elsom, George Smith and captain Stephen Hoiles forming the back row.
Former Force scrumhalf Josh Valentine will make his first appearance for his fourth province having previously represented the Reds, Waratahs and Force.
Stirling Mortlock starts the campaign in his preferred position of outside centre having featured on the wing for much of last season.
The former Wallabies skipper, who is expected to carry out the goal-kicking duties, needs four points to become the first player to rack up 1000 career points in Super rugby.
Brumbies team:
1.Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 3. Guy Shepherdson, 4. Mark Chisholm, 5. Justin Harrison, 6. Rocky Elsom , 7. George Smith, 8. Stephen Hoiles (c), 9. Josh Valentine, 10. Matt Giteau/Matt Toomua, 11. Francis Fainifo, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 13. Stirling Mortlock, 14. Pat McCabe, 15. Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Reserves: 16. Huia Edmonds, 17. Salesi Ma'afu, 18. Ben Hand, 19. Mitchell Chapman, 20. Patrick Phibbs, 21. Tyrone Smith, 22. Alfi Mafi, 23. Afusipa Taumoepeau.