Rugby Union - by Craig Hill

Brumbies Test centre Stirling Mortlock has said his side has the extra motivation to sending off George Gregan, Steve Larkham and Jeremy Paul as winners in this Saturday night's Super 14 game against the Crusaders at Canberra Stadium.

"There's a lot going on this weekend - they're naming the stand at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night after George and Steve, the 'Gregan Larkham' stand or the 'Larkham Gregan' stand - I'm not sure who had dibs on having their name appear first! So there will be a lot of distractions and emotions surrounding this game.

Mortlock, who is back in the side for the first time since breaking bones in his hand in the week seven clash against the Cheetahs in March, said the team would be doing its utmost to give the veteran trio a win in their last match at Canberra Stadium before all three play out their careers overseas.

"There are three stalwarts at the club that are playing their final home game this weekend," Mortlock told Sportal.

"Steve Larkham, Jeremy Paul and George Gregan have contributed so much to the way the Brumbies are on and off the field and this is going to be a massive match for the whole club, and to hopefully to send them off in a way befitting those three guys.

"Hopefully we can keep a lid on our emotions and everything that goes with playing such a big match and channel that energy positively into playing a good game."

With the Brumbies currently sitting in sixth place, just one point out of the top four, Mortlock said the Brumbies were already focused on the game, as a loss will most likely spell the end of their race for the finals.

"When you play the Crusaders, you don't need any extra incentive to get yourself up for the game as it's always been a massive game for us. They've been the leader of Super rugby, particularly over the past five years or so, and have been the trendsetters of this tournament.

"On top of that, it's our last home game and of course a must-win for us to try and get that place in the top four. It's a tough one and we need to make sure we don't get emotionally over-awed by the occasion.
"We need to stay calm, composed and stay focused on the key components of the game. I have no doubt that if we do that we'll be fired up and ready to rumble."