Brumbies name side for Saturday's Super W opener

Wed, Feb 12, 2020, 9:30 PM
Brumbies.rugby
by Brumbies.rugby
Teenage phenom Ella Ryan will lead the Brumbies attack from flyhalf. Photo: Brumbies Media
Teenage phenom Ella Ryan will lead the Brumbies attack from flyhalf. Photo: Brumbies Media

Brumbies Super W coach Adam Butt has named six debutants in the starting XV as well as another five on the bench for the side's opening 2020 Super W fixture on Saturday against RugbyWA.

17-year-old Ella Ryan will make her first appearance for the club, handed the reins at number 10, while Rugby World Cup Wallaroo and fellow Super W first-timer, Rebecca Smyth will start at blindside flanker.

Smyth is joined in the backrow by fellow debutant and talented youngster Zali Waihape-Andrews and the powerful Emma Masi.Up front, Brumbies stalwart Louise Burrows will play tighthead prop, with Harriett Elleman at hooker and another new face Krystal Fyfe at loosehead.

New co-captain Michaela Leonard will partner Emily Sogal in the second row, while fellow skipper and scrumhalf Jane Garraway will steer the ship with Ryan in the halves. 

The backline poses plenty of threats with the experienced Sammie Wood at inside centre, with exciting young talent Pesi Palu another debutant in the 13 jersey.

Speedsters Darcy Read and newcomer Gabrielle Peterson are named on the wings, with the returning Talei Qalo Wilson to start at fullback.

Tania Afamasaga, Peta Cox and Iris Verebalavu are the front row replacements, while Grace Sullivan and Pearl Rakete complete the forward reserves.

Phoebe Loughhead, Claudia Obst and Ainsley Scrivener will provide plenty of firepower off the bench in the backs. 

Saturday's opening fixture will also be the first Double Header of the season, with the Plus500 Brumbies set to take on the Highlanders later in the evening.

Brumbies Super W coach Adam Butt said: "We're really excited to get our season underway, we've been working really hard during the preseason and the women just can't wait to get out there."

"We've got a really good mix of youth and experience across the side with the likes of Ella in the halves and then Rebecca Smyth who has played in a Rugby World Cup.

"It's super exciting to be able to play at home in round one too and I'm sure there'll be a big crowd out there to support us and to stick around and watch the Super Rugby after."


BRUMBIES SUPER W ROUND ONE TEAM


1. Krystal Fyfe*
2. Harriet Elleman
3. Louise Burrows
4. Emily Sogal
5. Michaela Leonard (c)
6. Emma Masi
7. Rebecca Smyth*
8. Zali Waihape-Andrews*
9. Jane Garraway (c)
10. Ella Ryan*
11. Darcy Read
12. Sammie Wood
13. Pesi Palu*
14. Gabrielle Petersen*
15. Talei Qalo Wilson

REPLACEMENTS


16. Tania Ofamasaga
17. Peta Cox
18. Iris Verebalavu*
19. Grace Sullivan*
20. Pearl Rakete*
21. Phoebe Loughhead*
22. Claudia Obst
23. Ainsley Scrivener*

*Denotes Super W debut

The Brumbies Super W side will kick off their campaign on Saturday as part of a double header beginning at 4:35pm at GIO Stadium. The Plus500 Brumbies will take on the Highlanders in round three at 7:15pm.   Tickets available here.

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