Plus500 Brumbies have named an unchanged line-up for Round 2 of Super Rugby as they face the Sharks at GIO Stadium on Saturday evening.Head Coach Stephen Larkham keeps faith with the 23 that was narrowly beaten by the Crusaders in Christchurch meaning that four from the starting XV will make their home debut.
Scrum half Joe Powell will continue in the playmaking role at scrumhalf, the local youngster having enjoyed a superb match against the Crusaders with his energetic sniping around the base and his quick-fire passes allowing the Brumbies back-line to flourish.
Alongside Powell, Wharenui Hawera will make his GIO Stadiumbow with the New Zealand born flyhalf hoping to continue where he left off in Round 1, his 100% kicking success from the tee almost leading the Brumbies to what would have been an upset victory.
In the pack the form of Chris Alcock, another who will make his maiden bow in front of the home supporters, could be key to the Brumbies hopes of a win. The former Force and Waratahs man secured four turnovers in Round 1, the most of any player in any game.
The battle of the front rows should be an absorbing contest as well with Wallaby star Allan Alaalatoa coming up against South African ‘Beast’ Tendai Mtawarira with the scrum battle set to be extremely important in setting any foundations for dominant possession.
Discipline could be key with Sharks Patrick Lambie a deadly presence with the boot. As such the Brumbies defence, which was led by an outstanding Scott Fardy against the Crusaders, will need to be at their most vigilant and decisive best. Fardy continues in the backrow alongside Alcock and Jordan Smiler.
The Plus500 Brumbies will meet the Sharks at GIO Stadium on Saturday evening with kick-off at 7.45pm.
Tickets are available from the gate or from ticketek.com.au.Plus500 BrumbiesTeam to play SharksSaturday 4th March 2017(GIO Stadium, Canberra, 19:45)
1. Nic MAYHEW
2. Josh MANN-REA
3. Allan ALAALATOA
4. Rory ARNOLD
5. Sam CARTER6. Scott FARDY
7. Chris ALCOCK8. Jordan SMILER
9. Joe POWELL
10. Wharenui HAWERA
11. James DARGAVILLE
12. Kyle GODWIN
13. Tevita KURIDRANI
14. Henry SPEIGHT
15. Aidan TOUA
REPLACEMENTS
16. Robbie ABEL
17. Ben ALEXANDER
18. Leslie LEULUA’IALI’I-MAKIN
19. Tom STANIFORTH
20. Lolo FAKAOSILEA
21. De Wet ROOS
22. Andrew SMITH
23. Isaac THOMPSON
