Stanford returns for Brumbies Rebels clash

Wed, Feb 19, 2020, 10:55 PM
Brumbies.rugby
by Brumbies.rugby
Stanford in action in 2019. Photo: Getty
Stanford in action in 2019. Photo: Getty

Brumbies coach Adam Butt has made just one change to his side for their Super W round two clash against the Melbourne Rebels in Ballarat on Saturday. 

 

2019 Super W Player of the Year, Tayla Stanford returns to action for the first time in 11 months after suffering an ACL injury late last season.

The rampaging number 8 will combine with Ema Masi and Rebecca Smyth in a strong looking Brumbies backrow, the former earning Player of the Match honours last week on debut.

Closer to the front, Krystal Fyfe starts at loosehead prop, having gotten on the scoresheet in her first outing as a Brumby.

Fyfe will pack down alongside Harriet Elleman at hooker and the experienced Louise Burrows at tighthead.

Zali Waihape-Andrews shifts to lock to accommodate Stanford’s inclusion, her partnership with co-captain Michaela Leonard a real source of strength for the Brumbies pack.

Leonard’s co-captain, Jane Garraway will hope to continue building a winning combination with teenager Ella Ryan in the halves, Ryan having not looked an inch out of place in her first Super W game in round one.

Outside, the Brumbies have plenty of attacking threats, Darcy Read and Gabby Petersen providing pace on the flanks with Sammie Wood and Pesi Palu linking up in the midfield.

Wood’s goal-kicking was magnificent last Saturday, going four for four from the tee.

Rounding out the run-on side is Talei Qalo Wilson, who was excellent against Rugby WA in her new-look position at fullback.

Tania Afamasaga, Iris Verebalavu and Peta Cox will provide much needed punch off the pine as the front row reserves.

Emily Sogal and Grace Sullivan will cover the rest of the pack. Pearl Rakete and Claudia Obst are the playmaking finishers while rookie Ainsley Scrivener’s spark off the bench could be critical in a contest which is expected to be highly competitive.

Brumbies Super W coach Adam Butt said: "We're delighted to have Tayla back in the mix, she's clearly a great player but she's also such a well loved member of our group and the team couldn't be happier to see her back out there this weekend."

"We were obviously really happy to get the win in our opener last weekend but there's plenty we can still improve on and we've been working on those things throughout this week.

"Melbourne are a really strong team and we're expecting a really tough match in Ballarat but we're definitely going there full of confidence that we can come away with a good result."

 

BRUMBIES SUPER W ROUND TWO TEAM

1. Krystal Fyfe
2. Harriet Elleman
3. Louise Burrows
4. Zali Waihape-Andrews
5. Michaela Leonard (c)
6. Emma Masi
7. Rebecca Smyth
8. Tayla Stanford
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 Afamasaga
17. Iris Verebalavu
18. Peta Cox
19. Emily Sogal
20. Grace Sullivan
21. Pearl Rakete
22. Claudia Obst
23. Ainsley Scrivener

The Brumbies will take on the Rebels in round two at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Saturday at 12:15pm AEDT.  The match will be live streamed on brumbies.rugby.

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