Pocock back for Brumbies
The Brumbies will field eight Wallabies, including David Pocock, this Friday – when they head to Perth to face the Force in the first Super Rugby hit-out of 2015.
In the backs the likes of Matt Toomua, Nic White, Christian Leali'ifano, Joe Tomane and Henry Speight will all feature, while 2014 top-try scorer Robbie Coleman will also travel west for the game.
The Players' Player of the Year, Jarrad Butler, fronts a strong pack of Brumbies forwards – including Pocock, who has been named for the first time since February last year when he suffered a ruptured ACL.
Scott Sio also returns from injury, with Josh Mann-Rea another Wallaby making the journey to represent the Brumbies.
On state debut for the Brumbies are Nigel Ah Wong, Rory Arnold, James Dargaville, Sean Doyle, Blake Enever, Jerome Niumata and Mitch Wade.
Head coach Stephen Larkham said it was important for his side to get their season off to a good start with a win on the road this Friday.
"We are going to Perth to win this match, to put the wheels in motion and to get our season underway," Larkham said.
"Last year the Force were the competition's big improvers and they will be pretty eager to build on that, starting Friday.
"We have seven new faces who haven't worn the Brumbies strip before, so they'll be excited to get out there and make it official.
"Adding to those guys are eight, internationally capped players and I think you'll see a good mix of experience and enthusiasm out there on Friday.
"Trials are a good chance for us to assess what we need to work on heading into the season and we see the Force as a quality opponent to have a crack at.
"It should be quite an entertaining game."
Playing away from their traditional home stadium, the Force have moved the match to McGillivray Oval at Mt Claremont.
Brumbies tour squad: Nigel Ah Wong, Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Fotu Auelua, Jarrad Butler, Robbie Coleman, James Dargaville, Michael Dowsett, Sean Doyle, Blake Enever, Rod Iona, Jerome Niumata, Christian Leali'ifano, Josh Mann-Rea, David Pocock, Scott Sio, Jordan Smiler, Jean-Pierre Smith, Ruan Smith, Henry Speight, Tom Staniforth, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Mitch Wade, Nic White.
Date: Friday, January 23
Venue: McGillivray Oval, Perth
Kick-off: 17.00 (20.00 AEDT; 09.00 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Lees
Assistant referees: Rob Kellam, Alex Ninkov
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