Brumbies change three for Chiefs clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made three changes to the starting side ahead of their match against the Chiefs in Waikato on Saturday.
Inside centre Irae Simone has overcome sickness to take his place in the side, once again partnering Tevita Kuridrani in the midfield.
Last week’s hat-trick scorer Folau Fainga’a has been replaced at hooker after suffering a toe injury, with Connal McInerney earning his first start of the season.
Andy Muirhead is named on the wing for the first time in 2020 with Toni Pulu set to see his first minutes of the year against his former team from the pine.
The rest of the backline remains unchanged with Joe Powell and Noah Lolesio set to continue to build on their combination in the halves.
Australian Under-20s representative Lachlan Lonergan is in line for a potential Super Rugby debut from the bench, named alongside older brother Ryan as a replacement.
Young playmaker Bayley Kuenzle makes his return to the side from the bench while fullback Tom Banks is set to bring up his 50th Super Rugby cap this weekend.
Brumbies: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Solomone Kata, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Irae Simone, 11 Andy Muirhead, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Will Miller, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Murray Douglas, 4 Cadeyrn Neville, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (captain), 2 Connal McInerney, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Lachlan Lonergan, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Tom Ross, 19 Nick Frost, 20 Lachlan McCaffrey, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Bayley Kuenzle, 23 Toni Pulu.
Date: Saturday, February 22
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.05 (17.05 AEDT; 06.05 GMT)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Dan Waenga (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
