Coach puts 32-test Wallaby on bench

By CHRIS RATTUE

The Brumbies have dropped a selection bombshell by relegating Wallaby Jeremy Paul to the bench for tomorrow's Super 12 clash against the Chiefs.

The 32-test hooker's demotion, even if it is brief, is another blow in the World Cup year for the Wallabies, who may have to mould their squad from teams and players who are not firing on all cylinders.

A re-arranged Chiefs line-up will try to put their season back on track in Canberra.

A loss would probably end their mathematical chances of making the top four.

They have been forced into changes because fullback Todd Miller is unavailable on Sundays, fellow fullback Loki Crichton is about to make his way back in club rugby, hooker Greg Smith is sidelined after needing treatment to repair broken teeth, and prop Michael Collins was ruled out on the eve of the team's departure yesterday with rib problems.

It means further disruptions for the Chiefs, who have produced a series of respectable performances, but have struggled to find ways of winning.

The front-row injuries mean little-used Bay of Plenty hooker Aleki Lutui joins the bench alongside his fellow provincial front-rower Taufaao Filise.

Lutui and Filise are powerful runners and could inject some new forward enthusiasm, but their fitness would be in doubt if the Chiefs had to use them for long periods.

And tighthead prop Tevita Taumoepeau, who replaces the injured Tony Philp, last played for the Chiefs against the Blues on February 28.

The Chiefs have been forced into changes, but Brumbies coach David Nucifora has dropped New Zealand-born Paul from his all-Wallaby front row.

Paul is generally regarded as the classiest hooker in the Australian game, although he is sometimes criticised for playing too wide.

Paul's place goes to the unheralded 22-year-old Digby Beaumont, who is in his first Super 12 season and comes from Sydney club rugby.

Nucifora said: "Jeremy is a world-class player, but over the past few weeks we feel he's struggled a little to produce the form and consistency we all know he's capable of.

"Digby has given us some real spark in his limited opportunities, so we've decided to give him the chance to start.

"It was a difficult decision, and I'd emphasise that it is only for the Chiefs game."

A big worry for the Chiefs will be how their pack operates as a unit with so many changes.

Glenn Taylor, who plays every second week to keep him fresh, is back in the pack with No 8 Steven Bates, in for Paul Miller who has a knee problem.

In the backs, coach Kevin Greene has returned to the experience of Rhys Duggan at halfback in place of Isaac Boss.

Brumbies: Joe Roff, Andrew Walker, Joel Wilson, Matt Giteau, Mark Gerrard, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (capt), Scott Fava, George Smith, Tamaiti Horua, Daniel Vickerman, David Giffin, Ben Darwin, Digby Beaumont, Bill Young. Res: Jeremy Paul, David Fitter, Justin Harrison, Mark Chisholm; Matt Henjak, Pat Howard, Damian McInally.

Chiefs: Glen Jackson, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Regan King, Keith Lowen, Roger Randle, David Hill, Rhys Duggan; Steven Bates, Marty Holah, Jono Gibbes (capt), Keith Robinson, Glenn Taylor, Tevita Taumoepeau, Shane Carter, David Briggs. Res: Aleki Lutui, Taufaao Filise, Reece Robinson, Scott Couch; Isaac Boss, Mark Ranby, Shayne Austin.

Referee: Mark Lawrence (SA)

Kickoff: 6.30pm, live on Sky Sport.