Brumbies pick Power

 

Power has been sidelined since the Waratahs game in round five after straining his knee.

 

The two metre tall lock adds height to the Brumbies line-out and a hard edge around the park.

 

With Power included at lock, Scott Fardy moves to the side of the scrum at blind-side flanker, Fotu Auelua and Jordan Smiler come onto the bench and Tom McVerry drops out of the match day 23.

 

Director of Rugby Laurie Fisher said his side had prepared well ahead of the match against the Bulls.

 

“We’ve had a good week of training in Johannesburg and the boys are excited by the opportunity to get back in the winners’ circle on Friday night,” Fisher said.

 

“The Bulls at Loftus is one of world rugby’s great challenges. 

 

"The Bulls lift to another level when they play on the high-veldt so we will need to be at our best.

 

“Our full focus is on making the most of the opportunities we will be presented, to stick to the processes we’ve worked on through the week and to come away from Loftus with a win."

 

The last time the Brumbies visited Loftus to face the Bulls was in 2013 during the Super Rugby Semi-Final.

 

Due to President Jacob Zuma being sworn in for his second term in office, the game has been moved forward 24 hours to Friday. 

 

Brumbies: 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Robbie Coleman, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Nic White, 8 Ben Mowen (captain), 7 Jarrad Butler, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Leon Power, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Scott Sio.

Replacements: 16 Josh Mann-Rea, 17 Ruan Smith, 18 JP Smith, 19 Fotu Auelua, 20 Jordan Smiler, 21 Conrad Hoffmann, 22 Andrew Smith, 23 Pat McCabe.

 

Date: Friday, May 23

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT; 03.10, Saturday, May 24 AEST)

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Cobus Wessels (South Africa)

TMO: Johan Greeff (South Africa)