Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar has made just one change to his starting side to take on the Hurricanes in round 11 of Super Rugby Pacific this Sunday at GIO Stadium Canberra.
Fullback Tom Banks returns for the round 11 clash having recovered from the facial injury the speedster sustained in Perth against the Force back in round six.
Banks’ return sees Tom Wright shift back to the right wing, with Ollie Sapsford’s inclusion in the finishers the only other change to the Brumbies gameday selection.
Scott Sio continues at loosehead prop after a vintage performance against the Highlanders, the Brumbies centurion forming the front row with Lachlan Lonergan at hooker and Sefo Kautai at tighthead, the former Junior All Blacks bruiser impressing with skipper Allan Alaalatoa not far from a return to action.
Darcy Swain and Cadeyrn Neville continue their partnership in the second row, with Nick Frost nearing return to full fitness.
The unchanged Brumbies backrow of Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown and Pete Samu were outstanding in the club’s 28-17 victory over the Highlanders last time out.
Nic White will captain the side from halfback with Noah Lolesio steering the side from flyhalf.
Irae Simone and Len Ikitau combine again in the centres with Andy Muirhead’s selection on the left wing completing the starting side with Wright and Banks.
The unchanged front row finishing group of Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper and Tom Ross will have important roles to play, with Tom Hooper and Luke Reimer continuing to bring big impact as the forward reserves.
Ryan Lonergan played an integral part in the Brumbies win last time out as the halfback impact, with Hudson Creighton and Ollie Sapsford rounding out the Brumbies matchday squad for a crunch clash against the Hurricanes.
McKellar said the team are “in a good place heading into another big game this Sunday, off the back of last week where we were good in patches against the Highlanders”.
“It’s great to have Tom back in the team, especially given his form early on and he’ll slot back into that back-three well.
“We’re looking forward to getting back to GIO in front of our members, fans, friends and family, and with it being a Sunday afternoon kick-off, there’ll be a good crowd in support for what should be an entertaining game,” he said.
BRUMBIES TEAM FOR ROUND 11 OF SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC
1. Scott Sio
2. Lachlan Lonergan
3. Sefo Kautai
4. Darcy Swain
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Rob Valetini
7. Jahrome Brown
8. Pete Samu
9. Nic White (C)
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Andy Muirhead
12. Irae Simone
13. Len Ikitau
14. Tom Wright
15. Tom Banks
REPLACEMENTS
16. Folau Fainga’a
17. James Slipper
18. Tom Ross
19. Tom Hooper
20. Luke Reimer
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Hudson Creighton
23. Ollie Sapsford
The Brumbies will take on the Hurricanes in round 11 of Super Rugby Pacific at GIO Stadium, Canberra on Sunday 1 May 2pm.
