Super Rugby
Matt Toomua misses Tahs-Brumbies grudge match
June 25, 2014
Matt Toomua suffered a groin injury in Australia's third Test against France © Getty Images
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The Brumbies have been dealt another crushing injury blow with news that Matt Toomua will miss their Super Rugby blockbuster against New South Wales Waratahs.

Toomua had scans on his groin on Tuesday night, after picking up the injury in the third Test against France on Saturday, and the results confirmed that he would not recover in time for the match at ANZ Stadium on Saturday. He joins fellow Wallabies Stephen Moore, Joe Tomane, Sam Carter, Pat McCabe and David Pocock on the Brumbies' sidelines.

The mounting injury toll is a huge concern for the fourth-placed Brumbies, who must beat their grudge rivals on Saturday if they are to have any chance of topping the Australian conference.

The Brumbies will miss Toomua's direction and physicality but they have a ready-made replacement playmaker in fellow Wallabies back Christian Leali'ifano, who excelled at fly-half after a season-ending injury to Toomua in 2012 and was named man-of-the-match in eight of the 10 games he played.

With Leali'ifano sliding in from No.12, Munster-bound centre Andrew Smith is likely to play at inside centre, while Jesse Mogg will be promoted from the bench to play at fullback for McCabe.

The Brumbies have a bye next weekend, and Toomua is expected to return for their final-round clash against Western Force.

© AAP

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