VIDEO: Big name returns for Brumbies
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stalwart prop, Scott Sio will make his first appearance in his 10th Super Rugby season as the only change to Dan McKellar’s starting side for Saturday’s clash against the Melbourne Rebels at GIO Stadium.
Fresh off the back of a record win over the Waratahs last weekend, the Brumbies will be looking to make it three wins to kick off 2021 at home on Saturday.
Also making his return to the gameday squad is the damaging Solomone Kata who will get his first action from the pine.
Former Junior All Black James Tucker is in line to become Brumby number 230, named to make his debut for the side as a replacement.
Sio will join last weekend’s try scorer Connal McInerney and Wallabies teammate Allan Alaalatoa in the front row.
A settled lock combination sees Cadeyrn Neville and Darcy Swain partner in the second row with Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown and Pete Samu named as the loose forward trio for the third consecutive week.
Nic White and Noah Lolesio have again been selected to steer the side around the paddock in the halves with the Brumbies faithful no doubt licking their lips with another look at Len Ikitau and Irae Simone in the midfield at GIO Stadium.
Last week’s hat-trick hero Mack Hansen will be looking for more work on the left wing with the busy Andy Muirhead on the right hand side and the consistent Tom Banks again wearing the number 15 jersey.
An all-Canberra replacement front row sees Lachlan Lonergan, Harry Lloyd and Tom Ross in the matchday 23 with Tucker and vice-captain Tom Cusack providing cover for the second and back row.
Sharp shooter of the tee, Ryan Lonergan is the replacement scrumhalf with young playmaker Reesjan Pasitoa and Kata finalising the matchday 23
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said: “Scotty’s prepared well and got 60 minutes last week with the Runners and Lloydy’s been very good off the bench after a really strong preseason.”
“Sol Kata’s the same, he played in the Runners game and will get a chance off the bench and James Tucker is looking at his first game for the Brumbies which is a great story.
“He’s had to face and deal with a lot of adversity injury wise so I’m really pleased he’s back playing Super Rugby.”
Brumbies: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Andy Muirhead, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Irae Simone, 11 Mack Hansen, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Jahrome Brown, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Darcy Swain, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (captain), 2 Connal McInerney, 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Lachlan Lonergan, 17 Harry Lloyd, 18 Tom Ross, 19 James Tucker, 20 Tom Cusack, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Solomone Kata
Date: Saturday, March 6
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 19.45 (08.45 GMT)
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant referees: Jordan Way & Nic Berry
TMO: Brett Cronan
