On the radar: finals special

Wed, Jun 17, 2015, 2:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

Who’s in and who’s out for your Asteron Life Super Rugby team this week, we have all the whispers from around the grounds.

Brumbies

Some big names in the medical room for the Brumbies, with both David Pocock and Henry Speight being monitored closely. Pocock was forced off after half-time against the Crusaders because of a head knock and will follow strict concussion protocols before he is allowed back on the field. Speight battled on last weekend despite having about 10 metres of tape holding his ankle together, while he also copped a shoulder knock in the second half.

Matt Toomua is primed for a starting re-call after 30 minutes off the bench in his comeback from an ankle injury. Expect Christian Lealiifano to shift back to inside centre although Stephen Larkham may have other ideas. Robbie Coleman would be the man to make way in an otherwise stable starting side.

Their elimination opponents aren’t faring much better with Stormers’ captain Duane Vermeulen ruled out because of a neck worry. The skipper was rested in their final regular season match against the Sharks but has still not recovered in time.

Stand-in fullback Robert du Preez will also miss the Brumbies clash after copping a six week suspension for a dangerous tackle in their last start. He would have been battling to make the 15 though, with the Stormers boasting star fullback Cheslin Kolbe.

Waratahs

A week off for the Tahs and some time to rest up for scrumhalf Nick Phipps. The Wallabies’ Number Nine injured his knee early on against the Reds but managed to play through the pain for most of the game. Phipps will run out in their semi-final next week but NSW do have a handy replacement in Brendan McKibbin.

The Tahs will welcome back Rob Horne and Tolu Latu next week, with both having served their respective suspensions. Hugh Roach and Jono Lance will most likely make way for the returning duo.

Will Skelton was a force against the Reds on his return from a two-game ban while Tatafu Polota-Nau didn’t miss a beat in his first game in five weeks because of concussion.

Dean Mumm won’t have a part to play in their tilt for back-to-back titles with SANZAR following through on finals qualifying criteria, that stipulate a player must have played at least four games during the regular season. Mumm has featured in three after his mid-season move from English club side Exeter.

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