Stephen Larkham, a legend of the Brumbies, has expressed his belief that Adam Ashley-Cooper will regain his form against the New South Wales Waratahs tonight; however, there is increasing speculation that the star centre may join Phil Waugh’s team after this match.
Ashley-Cooper has suggested that he will decide on his provincial future post-match. He is currently contracted with the Australian Rugby Union until the end of 2012 but has been granted additional time to choose between the Brumbies and the Waratahs.
Confidence in Canberra regarding Ashley-Cooper’s potential to remain seems to be dwindling, with Brumbies insiders estimating a “50-50” chance that the Wallabies centre will relocate to be nearer to his partner in Sydney.
On the coaching side, the Brumbies appear to have greater clarity after boss Andrew Fagan recently traveled to South Africa for talks with Jake White, despite Ashley-Cooper being displeased about being singled out in the decision to dismiss Andy Friend.
“He brings immense value both on and off the field, and his social nature is fantastic,” said Larkham. “Of course, we would love for him to remain with the Brumbies; however, if he chooses to move on, we will have to adapt without him.”
Even though Ashley-Cooper was one of the first Wallabies selected, his recent performances at the Super Rugby level have struggled to reflect his past excellence this year.
Larkham mentioned that a lack of effectiveness in the Brumbies’ attacking strategies has too often left Ashley-Cooper confined in tight spaces, preventing him from receiving the ball in open areas where his explosive talent shines.
“We’re attempting to give him more freedom, and we’ve discussed this extensively,” Larkham stated. “If we can execute the patterns as a team, we are confident that he will have more time and space to showcase his speed, footwork, and powerful fend.”
While the possibility of shifting Ashley-Cooper back to fullback had been “certainly considered,” Larkham indicated that he is expected to remain at No. 13 for the match against NSW.
The Brumbies will announce their squad on Thursday, with Matt Giteau likely to shift back to inside centre, and either Matt Toomua or Christian Lealiifano expected to take on the No. 10 position.
The Waratahs are set to wait until the last moment on Saturday night for star hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau to demonstrate his fitness after recovering from a knee injury.
Polota-Nau and captain Waugh were included in a 24-man squad announced on Wednesday, with Jeremy Tilse also brought in to replace the injured Benn Robinson.
by Buford Balony
