Brumbies change it up for Chiefs test

Thu, Feb 20, 2020, 12:55 AM
Brumbies.rugby
by Brumbies.rugby
Irae Simone returns to the Brumbies side having had a cracking start to the season. Photo: Getty
Irae Simone returns to the Brumbies side having had a cracking start to the season. Photo: Getty

Plus500 Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made three changes to the starting side ahead of their match against the Chiefs at FMG Stadium in Waikato on Saturday evening.

Inside centre Irae Simone has overcome sickness to take his place in the side, once again partnering Tevita Kuridrani in the midfield. 

Last week's hat-trick scorer Folau Fainga'a has been replaced at hooker after suffering a toe injury, with Connal McInerney earning his first start of the season.

Andy Muirhead is named on the wing for the first time in 2020 with Toni Pulu set to see his first minutes of the year against his former club.

The rest of the backline remains unchanged with Joe Powell and Noah Lolesio set to continue to build on their combination in the halves. 

Australian Under 20s representative Lachlan Lonergan is in line for a potential Super Rugby debut from the bench, named alongside older brother Ryan as a replacement.

Fullback Tom Banks is set to bring up his 50th Super Rugby cap this weekend.

Plus500 Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said: "It's great to have a guy like Irae back in the squad, he brings a lot of experience and gives the team confidence when he's out on the field."

"Connal has been performing really well for us as a finisher so it's a good reward for him to get his first start of the season. 

"It also means we get to see Lachlan make his Super Rugby debut which is a special moment for him and his family, especially alongside his brother.

"We know the Chiefs are playing well and we respect them as the side but we've going over there full of confidence and are looking to come away with the win."

PLUS500 BRUMBIES ROUND FOUR TEAM

1. James Slipper
2. Connal McInerney
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)
4. Cadeyrn Neville
5. Murray Douglas
6. Rob Valetini
7. Will Miller
8. Pete Samu
9. Joe Powell
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Andy Muirhead
12. Irae Simone
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Solomone Kata
15. Tom Banks

REPLACEMENTS
16. Lachlan Lonergan*
17. Scott Sio
18. Tom Ross
19. Nick Frost
20. Lachlan McCaffrey
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Bayley Kuenzle
23. Toni Pulu

*Denotes potential Super Rugby debut

The Plus500 Brumbies will take on the Chiefs in round four at FMG Stadium in Waikato on Saturday night at 5:05pm AEDT.

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