The Brumbies have named their side to kick off their Super Rugby Pacific season against the Western Force on Sunday afternoon at GIO Stadium.
Allan Alaalatoa will once again captain the Brumbies in 2022 and will be alongside veteran James Slipper and Folau Fainga’a in the front row.
Cadeyrn Neville returns to the side at lock halving missed the end of last year with injury, while Darcy Swain looks to kick on from an impressive 2021 season in the second row.
A familiar looking backrow sees Brett Robinson Medal winner Rob Valetini start at blindside flanker with Pete Samu occupying the number eight jersey. ACT local Rory Scott earns the starting spot at openside having made a strong impression in his rookie season last year.
In the backs, Nic White and Noah Lolesio reignite their halfback partnership to start 2022.
Irae Simone and Len Ikitau combine in the centres, Ikitau having made big strides in 2021 with both the Brumbies and in Wallaby gold.
Andy Muirhead will play his 50th cap for Brumbies on the left wing with Tom Wright on the right wing.
Tom Banks has been a cornerstone of the Brumbies for a number of years and once again begins the season at fullback.
A strong replacement pack sees Wallaby hooker Lachlan Lonergan, Brumbies centurion Scott Sio and pathways product Tom Ross as the front-row finishers.
Backrower Ed Kennedy and centre Ollie Sapsford are the two potential debutants in the team, with Brumby 143 Jesse Mogg set to wear ACT colours once again as a finisher.
Nick Frost will provide impact at lock with Kennedy the final forward reserve.
The Brumbies will benefit from Ryan Lonergan’s impact and goalkicking at halfback with Sapsford and Mogg completing the matchday squad.
Brumbies head coach, Dan McKellar said he felt the team was in a good position to start the year.
“We’re in a strong position heading into round one and fortunate to be able to pick a team full of guys with experience and who have been with us for a number of years,” said McKellar.
“We believe those established combinations will be key for us especially in these early rounds, but those selected will know there’s quality in the squad pushing them hard for spots.
“An afternoon kick-off in front of our members, supporters, friends and family to get the season going; we’ll be raring to go come 2pm Sunday.”
Brumbies round one team
1. James Slipper
2. Folau Fainga’a
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)
4. Darcy Swain
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Rob Valetini
7. Rory Scott
8. Pete Samu
9. Nic White
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Andy Muirhead**
12. Irae Simone
13. Len Ikitau
14. Tom Wright
15. Tom Banks
BENCH
16. Lachlan Lonergan
17. Scott Sio
18. Tom Ross
19. Nick Frost
20. Ed Kennedy*
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Ollie Sapsford*
23. Jesse Mogg
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