BRUMBIES 2009

Having not won a Super Rugby title for five years now, what can we expect from the Brumbies, complete with a new coach and captain, in 2009?

2004, the last time the Brumbies won a Super Rugby title, seems like a distant memory - probably because back then it was still the Super 12 - and they will be eager to set the record straight this season. Sadly for them 2009 could be a year too early for them to add a third title to the collection.

Last season, planned or not, was all about life after Gregan and Larkham, and to their surprise the Brumbies found it a lot harder than they may have expected. That said they managed to put the foundations in place to build on this season.

By appointing a new captain Andy Friend has put out a clear message - this is a new team, at the start of a new era, and one that wants to win. Stirling Mortlock will still be a key senior figure, but Stephen Hoiles' appointment gives the side fresh ideas and a new impetus.

Scoring tries was not too much of a problem last year - 36 tries left them as the fifth- best scoring team in 2008 - but winning games was. Now that several youngsters, such as Francis Fainifo, Christian Lealiifano and Tyrone Smith have a season under their belts the Brumbies could surprise a fair few people and be a bit harder to beat.

Strengths : The Brumbies have always had a taste for running rugby, coupled with an ability to be patient with the ball. Friend has already promised a more enterprising brand this season, so expect to see the Brumbies putting teams to the sword once they find their rhythm.

Weakness: Last year the Brumbies struggled without their usual half-backs, Gregan and Larkham (both of whom called it a day in Australia), meaning they lacked the direction and focus needed to mount a serious challenge. They still look a little light in terms of personnel in a few positions, but should fare better than last year.

Noteworthy signings: Ben Hand (Waratahs), Shawn Mackay (Sevens), Alfi Mafi (Waratahs), Stephen Moore (Reds), James Stannard (Force), Sitaleki Timani (Force).

Noteworthy losses:Ben Hand (Waratahs), Shawn Mackay (Sevens), Alfi Mafi (Waratahs), Stephen Moore (Reds), James Stannard (Force), Sitaleki Timani (Force).

Coach: With Laurie Fisher heading to Ireland at the end of last season this year sees Andy Friend taking charge of the Brumbies. It has been a while since the Brumbies have been at their best, and with a new approach from Friend there is hope he is the man to lead them back to their glory days.

Captain : With a new coach has come a new captain, meaning Stirling Mortlock will relinquish the duties for the first time in five years. The new man is number eight Stephen Hoiles, who has risen to prominence over the past few seasons and seems like a logical choice. Whilst Mortlock is still a key member of the side Friend realises he wont be around forever, hence the switch to Hoiles. Friend is hoping that Mortlock will maintain his high standards for longer, without the stresses of captaincy, as well as looking to the future with Hoiles.

Player(s) to watch : Ever since George Gregan called time in Australia there has been a void in the number nine shirt, both at the Brumbies and Test level. Luke Burgess has tried to replace Gregan but has as of yet failed, leaving us with Josh Holmes. Holmes was a standout player for Australia at age-grades and now, with a solid Super 14, has a chance to prove he is Australia's number one.

2008 Position: 9th

Best finish: Super 12 winners in 2004 and 2001

Worst finish: 10th 1998

Home Venue: Canberra Stadium, Canberra (capacity: 27,000)

2009 Prediction: This could be a half decent season for the Brumbies, who should by now be used to life without Gregan and Larkham. They may lack a little to make the top four, but they will be there or there abouts come the end of the season.

Brumbies squad: Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Betham, Mitchell Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Huia Edmonds, Francis Fainifo, Gene Fairbanks, Mark Gerrard, Ben Hand, Nic Henderson, Stephen Hoiles, Joshua Holmes, Peter Kimlin, Christian Lealiifano, Salesi Ma'afu, Shawn Mackay, Alfi Mafi, Stephen Moore, Stirling Mortlock, Patrick Phibbs, Clyde Rathbone, Julian Salvi, Guy Shepherdson, George Smith, Tyrone Smith, James Stannard, Sitaleki Timani, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Matt Toomua, John Ulugia

Schedule:

13 Feb: Highlanders, away

21 Feb: Crusaders, home

28 Feb: Force, home

13 Mar: Waratahs, home

21 Mar: Lions, away

28 Mar: Sharks, away

4 Apr: Cheetahs, away

11 Apr: Stormers, home

17 Apr: Bulls, home

25 Apr: Hurricanes, away

2 May: Reds, away

9 May: Blues, home

15 May: Chiefs, away