Plus500 Brumbies boss, Dan McKellar has made four changes to the side that beat the Chiefs in stunning fashion at GIO Stadium last Saturday night.
2019 recruit Pete Samu is set to make his run on debut for the Brumbies at six, alongside David Pocock who is fit enough to rejoin the starting XV named to take on the Hurricanes in Wellington.
In what is a clear indication of the Brumbies strength and depth, Wallabies bookend Scott Sio comes in for James Slipper at loosehead prop having gained some match fitness off the pine the past two weeks.
Sio will form a familiar looking front row with fellow internationals Folau Fainga’a and Allan Alaalato, who start at Hooker and Tighthead prop respectively.Slipper, one of the Brumbies best performers to date this season, is named in the finishing group and will likely play a pivotal role from the reserves.
At lock, Blake Enever swaps with Sam Carter to partner Rory Arnold in the second row, following some key impacts off the bench so far in 2019.
Darcy Swain earns Enever’s place in the replacements after impressing in the preseason and with the Canberra Vikings in the National Rugby Championship.Joining Samu and Pocock in the loose forwards is Lachlan McCaffrey at Number 8.
His play and leadership has caught the eye of Brumbies fans this season, and will look to link up with an exciting Brumbies backline, which is unchanged for Round three.
Joe Powell drove the Brumbies pack all day against the Chiefs, and renews his partnership with Brumbies skipper Christian Lealiifano, who was simply superb last Saturday.
Irae Simone and Tevita Kuridrani start once again in the centres, Kuridrani having bagged a brace of tries from 13 at GIO Stadium.
Andy Muirhead and Chance Peni are retained on the flanks, the latter Peni scored two tries of his own vs the Chiefs, showcasing his unique finishing power on his return to Brumbies action.
At fullback, Tom Banks is growing into a world class operator, and is crucial to the Brumbies chances against the ‘Canes, both in attack and defence.
In the replacements, Josh Mann-Rea will provide quality cover at hooker with Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin taking his place as the Tighthead prop reserve.
Tom Cusack reverts to the bench this week with Pocock’s inclusion after being one of the Brumbies standout performers the previous week.
The rest of the finishers remain unchanged with Matt Lucas, Wharenui Hawera and TomWright providing some potentially crucial spark for the Brumbies backline.
TEAM
- Scott Sio
- Folau Fainga’a
- Allan Alaalatoa
- Rory Arnold
- Blake Enever
- Pete Samu
- David Pocock
- Lachlan McCaffrey
- Joe Powell
- Christian Lealiifano
- Chance Peni
- Irae Simone
- Tevita Kuridrani
- Andy Muirhead
- Tom Banks
- Josh Mann-Rea
- James Slipper
- Leslie Leauluaialii-Makin
- Darcy Swain
- Tom Cusack
- Matt Lucas
- Wharenui Hawera
- Tom Wright
