The Brumbies men’s and women’s team have been named for Saturday’s mouth watering double header against the NSW Waratahs at GIO Stadium.
The Brumbies get their Super W season underway at 5.15pm on Saturday with head coach Dan Hawke naming four debutants in the side.
Wallaroos legend Ash Hewson will start her for game for the club at flyhalf, partnering fellow debutant Jay Huriwari in the halves.
Sydney University winger Jemima McCalman will start on the right wing, with Mana Furuta set to become the club’s first Japanese player, starting at outside centre.
Brumbies coach Hawke said his side is ready to go against a quality Tahs outfit.
“We’re happy with our preparation heading into round one this weekend.”
“Selection has been really tough and that’s awesome for us because it shows the depth we’ve created and we believe this first group will go out and represent us well against a very strong Waratahs team.
“This is as tough a test you can get but it’s one we’re buzzing for and we’re happy to finally be home at GIO Stadium.”
Fainga’a returns, White to start for men’s side
Meanwhile, Brumbies men’s head coach Dan McKellar has made three changes to his starting selection to take on NSW.
Nic White swaps with Ryan Lonergan and will start in the nine jersey, while Jahrome Brown earning a starting spot at openside flanker.
Folau Fainga’a comes straight into starting side with Billy Pollard named as the replacement hooker.
Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar said the changes will give his side a bit more experience against a vastly improved Tahs team.
“We’re pleased with the efforts of the entire squad to be honest and we’re having really robust conversations around selection every week, which is what you need as a coaching group.
“We have quality and depth in a few positions, openside being one where we can rotate and maintain consistent performance so it’s great for Jahrome to get a start this week and for Luke Reimer to get a crack off the bench after performance in training and for the Runners.
“Whitey and Folau come back in as well which will give us a bit of extra experience at the start against an improved Waratahs team that will challenge us across the park on Saturday night.”
The Brumbies are looking for their third straight win to start the season after defeating the Force and Fijian Drua over the opening two rounds.
Click here for ticket details for the double header.
| Brumbies men’s team | Brumbies women’s team | |
| James Slipper | 1 | Iris Verebalavu |
| Folau Fainga’a | 2 | Harriet Elleman |
| Allan Alaalatoa (c) | 3 | Louise Burrows |
| Darcy Swain | 4 | Ash Fernandez |
| Nick Frost | 5 | Grace Kemp |
| Rob Valetini | 6 | Talei Qalo Wilson |
| Jahrome Brown | 7 | Georgia O’Neill |
| Pete Samu | 8 | Rebecca Smyth (C) |
| Nic White | 9 | Jay Huriwai |
| Noah Lolesio | 10 | Ash Hewson |
| Andy Muirhead | 11 | Lillyann Mason-Spice |
| Irae Simone | 12 | Siokapesi Palu |
| Len Ikitau | 13 | Mana Furuta |
| Tom Wright | 14 | Jemima McCalman |
| Tom Banks | 15 | Ella Ryan |
| BENCH | ||
| Billy Pollard | 16 | Tania Naden |
| Scott Sio | 17 | Niki Paterson |
| Tom Ross | 18 | Kimberley Fyfe |
| Ed Kennedy | 19 | Shellie Milward |
| Luke Reimer | 20 | Pearl Rakete |
| Ryan Lonergan | 21 | Jane Garraway |
| Chris Feauai-Sautia | 22 | Teliya Hetaraka |
| Jesse Mogg | 23 | Sammie Wood |
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