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4th placed Brumbies play host to the 10th placed Highlanders in what should be a cake walk for the ACT boys.
A bonus point win for the Brumbies should guarantee them a semi final spot...
A bonus point win for the Brumbies should guarantee them a semi final spot...
Fisher remains hopeful over injured trio
Monday May 01 2006
Mortlock almost certain to take the field
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Brumbies head coach Laurie Fisher is confident of having the services of his injured backline trio - fly-half Gene Fairbanks, captain Stirling Mortlock and fellow centre Matt Giteau - for Saturday's Super 14 Week 13 clash with the Highlanders at Canberra Stadium.
The Brumbies trained Monday without six backline players, with Fairbanks and Giteau the main injury concerns heading into the weekend clash.
Fairbanks, who scored the opening try in last Saturday's 36-0 shutout of the Reds, did not return in the second half after limping from the field with an injured right knee at the half-time break.
The makeshift fly-half was rested from training Monday, but expects to run Tuesday after aggravating an existing low grade medial ligament tear.
"It's a similar injury to what I did against the Blues earlier this year - a Grade 1 medial - which is generally about seven to ten days recovery," he said.
"There's a little bit of pain in it today, but it's pretty stable so I'm expecting to have a run with the rehab group tomorrow, a day off Wednesday, then hopefully train with the team on Thursday."
Fisher said that while Mortlock was almost certain to take the field against the Highlanders, his centre partner Matt Giteau would be given until later in the week to prove his fitness.
"Stirling should be fine. He's carrying a bit of a shoulder injury but he has pulled up ok and we're very confident that he'll play," said Fisher.
"The report on Matt and Gene is good too. They didn't train today but they'll both do some running tomorrow and hopefully train with the team on Thursday."
Giteau has battled with bone bruising caused by repeated knocks above his right knee.
The star inside centre has worn padding on the bruised area during the past two matches to try and minimise contact on the injured area.
Fairbanks, who has been impressive at fly-half since taking over from Stephen Larkham two weeks ago, realises the importance of this weekend's match for the fourth-placed Brumbies.
"Things are going along well, the teams playing well and particularly our pack, which has made things easier for me at fly-half," said Fairbanks.
"Having said that, we know that this is a vital game for us and any loss could be the end of our season so I'm desperate to get out there and play this weekend."
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