Homegrown Hansen earns first Super Rugby start

Thu, Jul 2, 2020, 1:02 AM
Brumbies.rugby
by Brumbies.rugby

Homegrown talent Mack Hansen has been named at fullback for his first Plus500 Brumbies start by coach Dan McKellar for the side's match against the Melbourne Rebels at GIO Stadium on Saturday night.

 

The Daramalan College product and Gungahlin Eagle made his Super Rugby debut last year against the NSW Waratahs and will wear the 15 jersey in the side's first Vodafone Super Rugby AU matchday 23.

Skipper Allan Alaalatoa will join Folau Fainga'a and James Slipper in an all-Wallabies front row with Darcy Swain and Murray Douglas making up the tight five.

Vice-captain Tom Cusack has been recalled at openside flanker and will be joined by Rob Valetini and Pete Samu in the backrow.

Joe Powell and Noah Lolesio will get a chance to reignite their combination in the halves, as will Irae Simone and Tevita Kuridrani in the midfield.

The electric Tom Wright and ever-reliable Andy Muirhead have been named on the wings with Hansen completing the back three.

After starting the Brumbies last three games pre-shutdown, Connal McInerney will be the replacement hooker alongside Scott Sio and Tom Ross as the front row reinforcements.

Lachlan McCaffrey and Will Miller are the other forward replacements, while livewire halfback Issak Fines is in line for his Super Rugby debut off the pine.

Bayley Kuenzle and Len Ikitau will cover the other backline positions and round out the matchday 23. 

Plus500 Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said: "We couldn't be happier to see Mack earn his first start for the team."  

"He's a local product who's come through our system and he's been outstanding at training, not just since we've returned to HQ, but all season.

"It's also a really exciting opportunity for Issak to be making his debut on Saturday night.  He's been part of our program on a couple of occasions, he's always impressive at training and he's chomping at the bit to get out there and make an impact.

"The team is really excited to get back out on the field on Saturday night and it's going to be great to have professional rugby back in Australia."

PLUS500 BRUMBIES ROUND ONE TEAM

 

1. James Slipper
2. Folau Fainga'a
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)
4. Darcy Swain
5. Murray Douglas
6. Rob Valetini
7. Tom Cusack
8. Pete Samu
9. Joe Powell
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Tom Wright
12. Irae Simone
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Andy Muirhead
15. Mack Hansen

REPLACEMENTS

 

16. Connal McInerney
17. Scott Sio
18. Tom Ross
19. Lachlan McCaffrey
20. Will Miller
21. Issak Fines*
22. Bayley Kuenzle
23. Len Ikitau

 

*Denotes Super Rugby debut
 

The Plus500 Brumbies will take on the Melbourne Rebels in Round One of Vodafone Super Rugby AU at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Saturday night at 7:15pm.  The fixture will be LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on Foxtel and Kayo.

 

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