Sio back for Reds showdown
The addition of Sio is a welcome boost to the Brumbies, as they seek to continue the momentum built by a trio of wins before the June Test series break.
With Sio restored to the starting line-up it's a strong looking team that will travel to Brisbane aiming to do the double over the Reds.
The Brumbies swamped the Queenslanders 43-10 in their meeting in Canberra in Round Seven – playing, arguably, their most fluent attacking rugby of the season in what was a comprehensive success.
Sio will feature in the front row alongside the experienced Josh Mann-Rea and Allan Alaalatoa – with skipper Sam Carter and Rory Arnold as the locking partnership.
Chris Alcock, Jordan Smiler and Scott Fardy provide a physical back row trio who will be tasked with making inroads into the Reds defensive line.
Behind the scrum newly capped Wallaby Joe Powell will dictate play with Wharenui Hawera continuing in the No.10 jersey.
Kyle Godwin and Tevita Kuridrani are the centre pairing and there is ample pace out wide with Henry Speight, who has shaken off any effects of the hamstring strain that forced him to miss Australia's matches with Scotland and Fiji, teamed with Aidan Toua and Tom Banks.
Brumbies: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Kyle Godwin, 11 Aidan Toua, 10 Wharenui Hawera, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Jordan Smiler, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Sam Carter (captain), 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Josh Mann-Rea, 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: TBC
Date: Friday, July 7
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.45 (09.45 GMT)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nicholas Berry (New Zealand), Rohan Hoffmann (Australia)
TMO: Ian Smith (Australia)
