No sign of Kuridrani as Pocock starts

 

His return pushes Jarrad Butler to No.8 and Ita Vaea to the bench.

 

Star Wallaby centre Tevita Kuridrani has been ruled out through injury, allowing another Fijian super star to take his place.

 

Henry Speight will make his first start at outside centre on Saturday, as he takes up Kuridrani's usual position.

 

Speight is joined in the backs by James Dargaville in his first career start on the wing, while Nigel Ah Wong has been named on the bench, and will likely make a Super Rugby debut sometime in the second half.

 

Blake Enever makes his first career start at lock, moving Rory Arnold out of the matchday 23.

 

While on the bench, Allan Alaalatoa comes into jersey No.17 for JP Smith.

 

Head coach Stephen Larkham said he was pleased with the opportunities his new players were taking on.

 

“We’ve made a number of changes throughout the team this week, some through injury, and some just to rest players as it’s a long season,” Larkham said.

 

“David [Pocock] made a successful return last week and we’ll see him start, while Jarrad Butler, who has been fantastic for us all year, moves to No.8.

 

“In the backs we’ve made one significant change with Tevita Kuridrani ruled out through injury for up to eight weeks.

 

"We’ve decided to go with Henry Speight. He’s itching to get his hands on the ball a little bit more, and we’ve moved him to No.13.

 

“It is also James Dargaville’s first opportunity to start a Super Rugby game, and he’ll feature out on the wing.”

 

This is the ninth occasion the Brumbies have faced off against the Cheetahs with the ledger in Larkham’s men’s favour at six wins to three losses.

 

The Brumbies have not lost this fixture in Canberra, although the last two occasions it was played here the result came down to kicks at goal after the siren.

 

Brumbies: 15 Robbie Coleman, 14 Joe Tomane, 13 Henry Speight, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 James Dargaville, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Nic White, 8 Jarrad Butler, 7 David Pocock, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Blake Enever, 3 Scott Sio, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.

Replacements: 16 Josh Mann-Rea, 17 Allan Alaalatoa, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Jordan Smiler, 20 Ita Vaea, 21 Michael Dowsett, 22 Lausii Taliauli, 23 Nigel Ah Wong.

 

Date: Saturday, April 4

Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra

Kick-off: 19.40 (10.40 SAST; 08.40 GMT)

Referee: Ben O'Keeffe

Assistant referees: Angus Gardner, James Leckie

TMO: Peter Marshall