Brumbies reveal team for Jaguares clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scrumhalf Matt Lucas and prop James Slipper are the only two changes to the starting XV for the Brumbies’ fixture with the Jaguares at the Estadio Jose Amalfitani, Velez Sarsfield on Saturday.
Lucas comes into the team in place of Joe Powell, whilst Slipper is selected ahead of Scott Sio as head coach Dan McKellar aims to win a third game in succession and claim a second win in South America, after defeating the Jaguares on their own turf back in 2017.
The Brumbies have certainly built up a head of steam over the past fortnight with back-to-back wins over South African opposition, starting with the Lions at GIO Stadium in Canberra and following that up with an epic, backs-to-the-wall defensive masterclass to stun the Stormers 19-17 in Cape Town.
Man of the match in the latter fixture, Jahrome Brown, keeps his place in the back row alongside Tom Cusack and Pete Samu with Slipper joined in the front row by Folau Fainga’a and Allan Alaalatoa.
Rory Arnold, who was immense in the win over the Stormers, tackling his heart out and scoring a crucial try, continues in the second row alongside Sam Carter.
In the backs, Lucas comes into the side to form a halfback partnership with skipper Christian Lealiifano whilst the midfield pairing of Tom Wright and Tevita Kuridrani are given further licence to shine.
Out wide, Toni Pulu and Henry Speight patrol the wings, Speight having made two try-saving tackles at Newlands, whilst Tom Banks, scorer of the third try of the afternoon in the Republic, remains at fullback.
🐴🇦🇷 We have arrived!
–
Today, the boys were treated to lunch, BBQ styles at the Buenos Aires Cricket and Rugby Club! #BrumsOnTour #JAGvBRU #BrumbiesFamily pic.twitter.com/TWXC40jSBd— Plus500 Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) April 23, 2019
Connal McInerney, who flew into Buenos Aires to join up with the squad after Josh Mann-Rea was forced to return home from South Africa injured, will be straight into the action, named as one of five forwards on the bench, alongside Sio and Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin as front row cover.
Darcy Swain and Murray Douglas are named amongst the replacements, both having contributed mightily to the defensive effort at Newlands. Powell reverts to the bench with Lucas starting whilst Irae Simone and Andy Muirhead round out the matchday squad.
Brumbies: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Tom Wright, 11 Toni Pulu, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Matt Lucas, 8 Pate Samu, 7 Tom Cusack, 6 Jahrome Brown, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Folau Fainga’A, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Connal Mcinerney, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin, 19 Darcy Swain, 20 Murray Douglas, 21 Joe Powell, 22 Irae Simone, 23 Andy Muirhead.
Date: Saturday, April 27
Venue: Estadio Jose Amalfitani, Buenos Aires
Kick-off: 18.40 (21.40 GMT; 07.40 Canberra time Sunday, April 28)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa), Federico Anselmi (Argentina)
TMO: Santiago Borsani (Argentina)
