Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Mortlock rested for Brumbies clash with Blues

Updated at 6:10 am on 18 March 2010

The Brumbies centre Stirling Mortlock has been ruled out of his side's Super 14 clash with the Blues in Auckland on Friday.

Mortlock had been cleared to play this week after a neck and shoulder injury saw him fail to return to the field after halftime in the Brumbies' win over the Sharks last Saturday.

However, the Wallabies centre will now be rested this weekend as a precautionary measure.

Mortlock's place at outside centre will be taken by Tyrone Smith who will pair with the in-form Christian Lealiifano in the Brumbies' midfield.

Team: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Pat McCabe, Tyrone Smith, Christian Lealiifano, Francis Fainifo, Matt Giteau, Josh Valentine, Stephen Hoiles (Capt), George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Mark Chisholm, Ben Hand, Salesi Maafu, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander. Reserves: Huia Edmonds, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Justin Harrison, Mitchell Chapman, Patrick Phibbs, Matt Toomua, Andrew Smith.

Copyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand