Brumbies pick Griquas lock for Reds
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Lock Rory Arnold, who played for the Griquas in the 2013 Currie Cup, is one of three debutants for the Brumbies who play the Reds on Friday in Canberra.
The Australian had an eventful debut for the Griquas against Free State Cheetahs.
He started the match and scored a try but then got sent off for allegedly biting Ethienne Reynecke.
He was cited and subsequently received a seven-match ban, Arnold appealed the decision and it was upheld.
Arnold also holds the Super Rugby record alongside former Stormer Andries Bekker for being the tallest player in the competitions history standing in at 2.08 metres.
The other two debutants are James Dargaville (wing) and Lausii Taliauli (outside back) who join three other big names returning from injury in David Pocock, Stephen Moore and Ita Vaea.
Pocock and Moore’s high-profile injury lay-offs due to knee reconstructions are over, while Vaea’s two-year battle with a heart condition has also been put to bed. "Firstly with our captain David Pocock, we're pleased to see him back on the field after battling succesive knee injuries.
"I'm looking forward to his performance tomorrow," Head Coach Stephen Larkham said.
"We've got three players debutising tonight, starting with our 2.08 metre lock, Rory Arnold, who becomes the tallest player in Super Rugby history [sic].
"On the bench Lausii Taliauli and James Dargavilel have also impressed me. James comes from Sydney University and Lausii from the Aussie Sevens.
"Also on the bench is our club captain, Stephen Moore, who is going to feature for us in the secondhalf. He'll definitely get 20 or 30 minutes.
"One of the best stories coming out of this team is the return of Ita Vaea. He was pretty much retired this time two years ago, but he's pushed through and everyone at the Brumbies is excited to see him back."
Of the last eight times these teams have faced each other the home side has only won on two occasions – the Reds in 2012 and the Brumbies in 2013.
Last year’s season opener went to the Reds and the Brumbies will be fighting hard to get their year off to a better start.
Brumbies: 15 Robbie Coleman, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Nic White, 8 Jarrad Butler, 7 David Pocock (captain), 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Josh Mann-Rea, 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 JP Smith, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Jordan Smiler, 20 Ita Vaea, 21 Michael Dowsett, 22 James Dargaville, 23 Lausii Taliauli.
Date: Friday, February 13
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 19.40; (08.40 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: James Leckie (Australia), Will Houston (Australia)
TMO: Peter Marshall (Australia)
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