Toomua late change for Brumbies
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Matt Toomua has proved his fitness ahead of tomorrow’s Super Rugby qualifier against the Stormers in Cape Town and will start the match for the Brumbies.
There was a cloud of doubt over whether Toomua and flank David Pocock will start after suffering an ankle injury and concussion respectively.
In a late Brumbies change it is now confirmed that Toomua will lineup at inside centre pairing with Tevita Kuridrani in the midfield while Pocock is still named to start at No.7.
24-year-old Toomua's return is a boost for the Brumbies heading into the sudden death play-off against the Stormers.
After initially being named as a reserve, Toomua made it through this week’s training sessions without incident and proved his injured ankle has recovered in time for the match.
"Matty’s [Toomua] got through the week really well," Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham said.
"He trained really well on Wednesday, did both sessions and pulled up well yesterday.
"We got him out here for the captain’s Run today and he’s looking really good, so we’re going to start him."
Toomua’s return to the starting XV means Robbie Coleman moves to the bench.
In another change, utility back Nigel Ah Wong will replace James Dargaville as a reserve in the 23-man playing squad.
"Robbie goes back to the bench, Nigel [Ah Wong] comes into the bench meaning James Dargaville will sit out of the 23 this week and Nigel will get his chance," Larkham said.
Brumbies – revised: 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Nic White, 8 Ita Vaea, 7 David Pocock, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Blake Enever, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore (captain), 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Josh Mann-Rea, 17 Allan Alaalatoa, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Jordan Smiler, 20 Jarrad Butler, 21 Michael Dowsett, 22 Nigel Ah Wong, 23 Robbie Coleman
Date: Saturday, June 20
Venue: Newlands, Cape town
Kick-off: 17.05 (01.05 Sunday, June 21 AEST; 15.05 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Craig Joubert (South Africa), Jason Jaftha (South Africa)
TMO: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)
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