Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham says his side will show fighting spirit against Waratahs

COACH Stephen Larkham believes the Brumbies will unleash their fighting spirit against the Waratahs amid a crippling injury toll.

Brumbies New Director of Rugby Laurie Fisher and Brumbies new Head Coach Stephen Larkham at the Brumbies announcement of their new coaching structure in Canberra.

COACH Stephen Larkham believes the Brumbies will unleash their fighting spirit against the Waratahs amid a crippling injury toll.

Centre Andrew Smith is the latest player under an injury cloud, with Larkham unable to confirm his starting side Thursday as he reels from the absence of six Wallabies from Saturday’s crucial match at ANZ Stadium.

“You look at the teams that have won the competition, and very rarely do you win the competition when you’ve had so many injuries as we’ve had,” Larkham said.

“The beauty of this team and the beauty of this organisation is that we’ve been through some tough times, and we make things happen.

“I trust that our boys will put everything into this performance this weekend because we know how important it is.”

Regular starters sidelined with injury include Stephen Moore, Matt Toomua, Pat McCabe, Joe Tomane, Sam Carter and David Pocock.

With Smith - a replacement who came in after McCabe and Toomua were ruled out - pulled up sore from a hamstring strain earlier this week, the Brumbies trained with rookie Rodney Iona and Robbie Coleman at inside centre on Thursday.

“[Smith] had a fitness run this morning and he seemed to get through that OK,” Larkham said.

“We didn’t push him through the team session, he’s one of the guys we’ll make an assessment on later tonight, early tomorrow,” Larkham said.

“Rodney might get his opportunity this weekend depending on Smithy; and Robbie might have to move around as well.

“We’ll finalise the team [on Friday morning].

“He’s had scans and they were all pretty good, We just need to see how he pulls up after that run.”

Coleman said: “I’ve been training on the wing this week so that’s what I’m expecting.

“Whatever combination we’re going to go with this week will be great

“I know he had a bit of a niggle with it, but he’s been working on it hard, hopefully he pulls through.

“One thing we’ve got great depth here at the Brumbies, ity’s not going to affect us.

“Whoever plays in whatever role is going to do the job.

Halfback Nic White added: “All these boys have been down together for a few years now, we kind of live in each others’ pockets down here so it does’t really matter who is playing, we’re all very comfortable with each other.

“While it is a bit upsetting for the guys who miss the chance to play through injury, it’s a pretty exciting opportunity for the boys that do.”

Originally published as Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham says his side will show fighting spirit against Waratahs