Brumbies reveal team for Sunwolves clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has named Ryan Lonergan for his first career start when his side clashes with the Sunwolves in Wollongong on Friday.
Having progressed through the Brumbies pathway system, Lonergan will don the No.9 jersey for the first time, partnering Noah Lolesio who has started at flyhalf in every match so far this season.
Toni Pulu also earns his first starting jumper, having returned to the matchday 23 in the side’s win against the Chiefs in New Zealand and will be joined in the back three by damaging ball runner Solomone Kata and fullback Tom Banks.
In the midfield, Irae Simone and Tevita Kuridrani will continue to build on their combination, named in the centres together for the fourth time this year.
Up front, Scott Sio returns to the starting XV alongside skipper Allan Alaalatoa and Connal McInerney who will wear the No.2 jersey for the second match in a row.
The rest of the pack remains unchanged with Murray Douglas and Cadeyrn Neville to continue their second row partnership and Will Miller, Rob Valetini and Pete Samu in the back row.
Last round’s debutant Lachlan Lonergan is in line for his second Brumbies cap from the pine, joined by James Slipper and Tom Ross as the front row replacements.
Darcy Swain and Tom Cusack make their first appearances in the matchday squad since Round Two for the clash at WIN Stadium.
Joe Powell will add some spark as replacement scrumhalf with rookie Reesjan Pasitoa and the versatile Tom Wright the other backline finishers.
Brumbies: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Solomone Kata, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Irae Simone, 11 Toni Pulu, 10 Noah Lolesio, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Will Miller, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Murray Douglas, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (captain), 2 Connal McInerney, 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Lachlan Lonergan, 17 James Slipper, 18 Tom Ross, 19 Darcy Swain, 20 Tom Cusack, 21 Joe Powell, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tom Wright.
Date: Friday, March 6
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Kick-off: 14.45 (12.45 Japan time; 03.45 GMT)
Referee: Federico Anselmi
Assistant referees: Amy Perrett, Aaron Pook
TMO: Ian Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_5c41oYrD8
