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Brumbies wait on Mortlock but Smith returns

Article Published: Thursday 6 May 2010

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Flanker George Smith will return from injury for his Brumbies farewell at Canberra Stadium against the Highlanders on Saturday night while outside centre Stirling Mortlock will be given until tomorrow morning before it is decided whether he will return to the side via the bench.

Smith has been sidelined since the side's Week Six loss to the Blues when he sustained nerve damage to his shoulder. However, a rehabilitated Smith will return for his final regular season Super 14 match at Canberra Stadium prior to continuing his career overseas.

The eight-time Brumbies player of the year returns to his customary '7' jersey with Colby Faingaa reverting to the bench.

Mortlock, who missed the past four matches with a back complaint, completed today's training session but will be given until tomorrow's Captain's Run to see how he recovers from this morning's run.

While the Brumbies can still host a home semi final, Saturday night may be the former Brumbies captain's final match in ACT colours at Canberra Stadium after signing with the Melbourne Rebels for 2011.
 
The 32-year-old has been bracketed on the bench with Brumbies Academy centre Ed Stubbs.

Joining Smith in a confirmed Brumbies comeback on Saturday night is flyhalf Matt Toomua, who returns from a knee injury suffered in the 61-15 win over the Cheetahs in Week Nine.

The 20-year-old pivot, who was this week selected in the Australian Under 20's squad, will resume his role at flyhalf which will see playmaker Matt Giteau run on at inside centre. As a result, Tyrone Smith and Andrew Smith shift to outside centre and the wing respectively.

Brumbies Head Coach Andy Friend says Saturday's match will provide a memorable night for Brumbies supporters.

"Stirling and George have been tremendous warriors for the Brumbies for more than a decade," he said.
 
"They've made a significant contribution to the success that this side has tasted over the years and it would be fitting to send them off as winners on Saturday night.

"We'll see how Stirling pulls up tomorrow but we'd love him to be able to join George on the field for their farewell in match front of a big crowd at Canberra Stadium.

"We were pleased with our last performance against the Reds but realise that we need to build on that and find that level consistently if we are to stay alive in this competition. I'm confident that we can do that and we'll be looking to send off George and Stirling in the appropriate manner this season."

Brumbies Rugby will mark Mortlock and Smith's farewell match by issuing face masks of the departing pair for spectators at Canberra Stadium.

Brumbies

1. Ben Alexander , 2. Stephen Moore , 3. Salesi Ma'afu , 4. Mitchell Chapman , 5. Mark Chisholm , 6. Rocky Elsom , 7. George Smith , 8. Stephen Hoiles (c) , 9. Josh Valentine , 10. Matt Toomua , 11. Andrew Smith , 12. Matt Giteau , 13. Tyrone Smith , 14. Pat McCabe , 15. Adam Ashley-Cooper

Reserves:16. Huia Edmonds , 17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa,18. Ben Hand , 19. Colby Faingaa , 20. Patrick Phibbs , 21. Brackin Karauria-Henry , 22. Ed Stubbs/Stirling Mortlock