Brumbies lose a big name on eve of new comp
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Local product Mack Hansen will get his first start for the Brumbies in Saturday’s opening-round Super Rugby AU clash with the Melbourne Rebels in Canberra.
Hansen, who made his Super Rugby debut last year against the Waratahs, fills the fullback position in the absence of injured Wallabies back Tom Banks, who has a foot injury.
Wing Solomone Kata (hamstring) and halfback Ryan Lonergan (ankle) are the other unavailable players.
Scrumhalf Issak Fines is a chance of making his Super Rugby debut off the bench.
Skipper Allan Alaalatoa will join Folau Fainga’a and James Slipper in an all-Wallabies front row, with Test prop Scott Sio named on the bench.
Brumbies: 15 Mack Hansen, 14 Andy Muirhead, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Irae Simone, 11 Tom Wright, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Tom Cusack, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Murray Douglas, 4 Darcy Swain, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (captain), 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Connal McInerney, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Tom Ross, 19 Lachlan McCaffrey, 20 Will Miller, 21 Issak Fines, 22 Bayley Kuenzle, 23 Len Ikitau.
Date: Saturday, July 4
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 19.15 (09.15 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner [pictured above]
Assistant referees: Amy Perrett, Reuben Keane
TMO: James Leckie
