Brumbies change back row for 'Tahs
The two changes are forced, following the two-match suspension of openside flank David Pocock and the retirement of No.8. Ita Vaea due to health reasons.
Jarrad Butler, who missed the Brumbies' past three matches due to a knee injury suffered during training in Cape Town, returns for the first time since the Brumbies' Round Three clash against the Force and will replace Pocock at number six.
Versatile back row Jordan Smiler will start the match at No.8, replacing Vaea. The 30-year-old loose forward has played in all of the Brumbies' matches in 2016 and started in the No.8 jersey in the Brumbies' clash against the Stormers at Newlands, following the injury to Butler.
With both Butler and Smiler starting, rookie Michael Wells returns to the bench.
Tightehead Ben Alexander will become the Brumbies third most-capped player in history when he takes to the field in the Allianz fixture. He currently sits equal with Stirling Mortlock with 123 appearances for the ACT-based franchise.
Brumbies: 15 Aidan Toua, 14 Robbie Coleman, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Christian Lealiifano (co-captain), 9 Tomás Cubelli 8 Jordan Smiler, 7 Jarrad Butler, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore (co-captain), 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Josh Mann-Rea, 17 Allan Alaalatoa, 18 Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, 19 Tom Staniforth, 20 Michael Wells, 21 Joe Powell, 22 James Dargaville, 23 Nigel Ah Wong.
Date: Saturday, April 16
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Time: 19.45 (09.45 GMT)
Referee: Nick Briant
Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill, Michael Hogan
TMO: Ian Smith
