Power surge set to strike Brumbies
CHRIS DUTTON
30 Jul, 2011 12:00 AM
The ACT Brumbies' worldwide search for a lock has led them to a 25-year-old from Sydney as coach Jake White prepares to finalise his 2012 roster.
After scouring South Africa and New Zealand for an accomplished second rower, it is understood Leon Power is poised to take the final spot in the Brumbies' forward pack.
Power who was born in Sydney but plays rugby in New Zealand has emerged as the man to join Ben Hand and Sam Carter as lineout specialists.
Recruiting the 200cm, 117kg lock means the Brumbies have not used their marquee foreign player contract.
The Canberra Times understands that could be used on South African Danie Rossouw once he finishes his commitments with Japanese club Suntory in March.
White was keen to recruit Rossouw, but the 33-year-old would not be available until the end of the Japanese campaign and would miss the entire pre-season.
It remains unclear whether Rossouw will opt for another Super Rugby stint when the Japanese season finishes.
Former World Cup-winning coach White has been searching for an experienced lock since he was given the task of rebuilding the Brumbies.
It is believed the Brumbies sounded out several experienced second rowers about moving to the capital, including Rossouw, retiring Springbok Victor Matfield and fringe All Black Jason Eaton.
However, White wanted to finalise his 30-man squad as soon as possible and Power's impressive ITM Cup form for Bay of Plenty got the Brumbies' attention.
Power could sign a contract with the Brumbies as early as next week.
Australian Sevens representatives Tevita Kuridrani and Zack Holmes are also in the Brumbies' sights with two back-line contracts still available.
White had his first chance to work with his new playing group at a four-day camp in Sydney this week.
The bulk of the squad was at the camp and 10 players had a chance to impress White and win a roster spot.
Kuridrani and Holmes stood out.
Fijian Kuridrani, 20, is a powerful outside centre who has spent the past two seasons playing for University in Queensland's premier rugby competition.
His brilliant campaign with the Australian Sevens team earned him selection in the Australian under-20s side for the junior World Cup in Italy.
The 196cm, 100kg back will add punch to the Brumbies' midfield.
Holmes burst on to the international stage with the Sevens team last year, and can play flyhalf, fullback and on the wing.
