Lealiifano asked to co-captain again
missing when the Stormers took on SWD. And following their demolition of the Eagles, Fleck said that the warm-up game should be a good opportunity to do a couple of final checks before they kick off their campaign against the Jaguares at Newlands on February 17.
“The players have worked very hard in the pre-season, so this match will give us a good chance to get some competitive game time under our belts,” he said. “We want to ensure that our players are up to speed, so that we can be at our best at the start of what will be another demanding season.”
The likes of Eben Etzebeth (shoulder), Pieter-Steph du Toit (back), captain Siya Kolisi (hamstring), Juarno Augustus (neck), Jano Vermaak (knee), Scarra Ntubeni (hamstring), Frans Malherbe (neck) and Ali Vermaak (hamstring) were not available due to injury, while Jean-Luc du Plessis (hip) and Dan du Plessis (shoulder) are recovering from long-term injuries. There will also be a Western Province Invitational team going up against Boland Elite in a curtain-raiser (1:50pm kickoff). Former SA Schools captain and lock Salmaan Moerat and flyhalf Joshua Stander are set to receive game time in both matches – with the Stormers as well as the Invitational side – in Wellington.
Seabelo Senatla and Sikhumbuzo Notshe are away on Springbok Sevens duty, while Nizaam Carr is being rested following his recent return from a loan spell with London Wasps. SYDNEY: Cancer survivor Christian Lealiifano has again been named as the Brumbies co-captain with lock Sam Carter for this year’s Super Rugby competition.
The 30-year-old Lealiifano was named as co-captain for the side last year in what turned out to be a mostly symbolic role as he recovered from a bone marrow transplant after being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2016.
He returned for the Brumbies in their 35-16 playoff loss to the Hurricanes last season before he signed a short-term contract with Ulster and played for the side in the Pro 14 competition before returning to Canberra.
“Both Sam and Christian did a good job as co-captains last season showing excellent leadership both on and off the field,” Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said.
“In reappointing them for the new season we are maintaining our continuity of leadership and I am certain that they will both have a big impact during the year.”
McKellar, who replaced Stephen Larkham as Brumbies coach after the former Wallabies flyhalf joined the national side coaching set-up fulltime, said Lealiifano had benefited from his time in Ireland.
“Having that game-time under his belt will be a big bonus heading into the Super Rugby season,” McKellar said.
The Brumbies, who won the Australian conference last year but were bundled out in the first round of the playoffs by the Hurricanes, open their season against the Sunwolves in Tokyo on February 24.
Meanwhileunwanted Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper has been granted permission to leave the Reds, but the door on him playing for the side in Super Rugby this season has still not been completely closed, according to coach Brad Thorn.
Cooper, who played 70 tests for the Wallabies, was told late last year by Thorn that he probably would not be required this season.
The 29-year-old has not trained with the Reds since, even though he is still contracted with the Brisbane-based team until after the 2019 season.
Thorn said the team would not stand in Cooper’s way if he secured another professional contract.
“(It’s) the least we could do,” Thorn said when asked if Cooper was free to pursue other opportunities.
“He’s played over 100 games for this club - he’s had success here.
“He’s a guy who’s served this club really well. Respect to the guy, but we’re just going in a different way.” - Reuters