The ACT Brumbies have named their squad for Friday night’s Super Rugby Pacific opener against the NSW Waratahs at Allianz Stadium at 7:35pm.
Shute Shield product Blake Schoupp earns a start for what will be his Brumbies and Super Rugby debut, alongside hooker Connal McInerney and skipper Allan Alaalatoa in the front row.
Experienced flyhalf Jack Debreczeni, former Blues centre Tamati Tua and Brumbies pathways flyer Corey Toole are the other debutants in the run-on side, with tighthead prop Rhys Van Nek also on-debut in the finishers.
Test-lock duo Nick Frost and Cadeyrn Neville combine in the second row for just the second time in ACT colours.
Rob Valetini will line up in the Canberra Daily sponsored number 6 jersey, with Rory Scott and Pete Samu joining him in forming a familiar looking backrow.
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Scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan will combine with Debreczeni in the halves, with Nic White to finish the game at halfback in his 100th appearance for the club.
Wallaby Len Ikitau has been named to partner Tua in the centres.
Tom Wright will start at fullback with Toole and Andy Muirhead completing the back-three.
Lachlan Lonergan will bring plenty of impact from the bench, with veteran James Slipper likely to play and important role as the finishing loosehead.
Darcy Swain is the lock replacement with Luke Reimer bringing energy as backrow cover.
Flyhalf Noah Lolesio add quality as a replacement with Ollie Sapsford rounding out the ACT Brumbies first selection for 2023.
ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said he’s looking forward to the big clash against NSW.
“The energy is building for this game, and we’re excited to see a number of new faces earn their first selection in a Brumbies jersey,” said Larkham.
“It’s a big occasion for the Waratahs and they’ve certainly talked pretty openly about their aspirations, but we know where we want to go as a team, and we’ll be ready to go at 7:35pm Friday night.”
