Moore, Edmonds set to return for Brumbies - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Moore, Edmonds set to return for Brumbies

21/04/2011 07:01:06 PM Comments (0)

After a dismal start to the Super Rugby season, the Brumbies could be boosted by the return of first choice hookers Stephen Moore and Huia Edmonds for their upcoming two-match tour of South Africa.

Having posted their sixth loss in eight games against the Western force on Sunday, the Brumbies next play the Cheetahs on April 29 in Bloemfontein followed by their clash against the Sharks in Durban.

And Test prop Ben Alexander feels Moore and Edmonds' comeback could be just what the squad needs.

"They'll hopefully both tour, they are both international hookers," Alexander said on Thursday.

"Steve is one of the best hookers in the world."

Fullback Pat McCabe agreed the return of Moore (ankle) and Edmonds (hamstring), along with Mitchell Chapman (cheekbone), would bolster the side in South Africa.

"You really can't discount the experience that those guys have," McCabe said.

"For them to come back against the Cheetahs will be a big boost."

The Brumbies will also have to tackle the challenge of altitude in their Bloemfontein encounter against the Cheetahs.

"Just getting used to that extra flight of the ball," McCabe said.

"Also being aware of the lungs burning a bit more and pushing through that."

After seemingly turning the corner by breaking a five-game losing streak in a one-point win against the Hurricanes two weeks ago, the two-time Super champions currently sit in 11th place in the overall ladder and fourth in the Australian conference.

"I thought we took a really big step the week before against the Hurricanes where we were down and we could grind out a win," Alexander said.

"For us to fall to bits in that last 20 minutes against the Force was really disappointing."

The Brumbies will stay in Cape Town before flying to Bloemfontein, then onwards to play the Sharks in Durban for the first time since the death of teammate Shawn Mackay two years ago.

Mackay died in Durban following injuries from a car crash after the Brumbies' match against the Sharks in April 2009.

The former captain of the Australian Sevens side had made his Super Rugby debut with the Brumbies earlier that season.

Alexander said members of the team had given some thoughts about a return to Durban.

"He was a great man, Macca, he wasn't at the Brumbies a long time but it felt like he was there for ages.

"He left such a lasting impression on everyone, he was a great bloke, we still miss him.

"I'm sure after the game we'll have a chat with some of the Sharks boys who were there that night and pay our respects to him."

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