Super Rugby
Rookie hooker Ruaidhri Murphy replaces Stephen Moore
June 26, 2014

Ruaidhri Murphy has replaced Stephen Moore as Brumbies hooker against New South Wales Waratahs at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, the Irish prop called into the starting line-up as fourth-choice rake after the Wallabies captain's season-ending knee injury on Test duty against France.

The Brumbies' Ruaidhri Murphy reflects on their defeat, Brumbies v Blues, Super Rugby, Canberra Stadium, Canberra, Australia, July 14, 2012
Ruaidhri Murphy has never played hooker in a professional match © Getty Images
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The Brumbies' two other rakes, Siliva Siliva and Josh Mann-Rea, are unavailable respectively with knee and hamstring injuries, leaving Murphy to play hooker professionally for the first time in his career. Super Rugby journeyman Luke Holmes has been plucked straight out of Sydney club rugby to sit on the bench.

Wallabies lock Sam Carter was also injured in the first Test against France, meaning Leon Power returns to the starting side in a re-jigged forward pack in which Jordan Smiler moves to flanker and Fotu Auelua goes back to the bench.

With the Brumbies facing an injury crisis across the park, Christian Leali'ifano has been named at five-eighth after Matt Toomua's groin strain.

The Brumbies also hold concerns for Andrew Smith, who is due to line up outside Leali'ifano at inside centre. He has sustained a leg injury during a team run.

Jesse Mogg has been promoted from the bench to fullback, for injured Wallabies utility Pat McCabe, while Ben Alexander returns to the starting side at tight-head prop for Ruan Smith.

Brumbies: Jesse Mogg; Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Andrew Smith, Robbie Coleman; Christian Leali'ifano, Nic White; Ben Mowen (captain), Jarrad Butler, Jordan Smiler; Leon Power, Scott Fardy; Ben Alexander, Ruaidhri Murphy, Scott Sio. Replacements: Luke Holmes, Ruan Smith, JP Smith, Fotu Auelua, Jack Whetton, Michael Dowsett, Clyde Rathbone, Lionel Cronje.

© AAP

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