Reimer earns first start as Plus500 Brumbies named to play Hurricanes

Thu, Jun 3, 2021, 2:00 AM
Brumbies.rugby
by Brumbies.rugby
Luke Reimer will make his starting Super Rugby debut this Saturday night. Photo: Getty Images
Luke Reimer will make his starting Super Rugby debut this Saturday night. Photo: Getty Images

Plus500 Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made five changes to the starting XV for the side's first home game of the Harvey Norman Super Rugby Trans-Tasman season against the Hurricanes on Saturday night.

The Round Four fixture will celebrate Pasifika Round with the team set to wear a special playing strip inspired by the playing group and designed by Angelique Sloss.

After an impressive start to his Super Rugby career, Luke Reimer has earned his fist start at openside flanker, combining with Rob Valetini and Henry Stowers in the backrow.

ACT local Lachlan Lonergan returns to the starting side at hooker, flanked by Scott Sio and latest Brumbies centurion and skipper Allan Alaalatoa in the front row.

Darcy Swain and Nick Frost will again partner in the second row.

The Lonergan brothers will start for the first time at home at GIO Stadium, with Ryan named at scrumhalf, combining with Noah Lolesio in the halves.

Bayley Kuenzle earns his second start of the year at inside centre and will partner the fleet-footed Len Ikitau in the midfield. Mack Hansen also returns to the starting side, named on the left wing with Solomone Kata on the right edge and Wallabies fullback Tom Banks in the number 15 jersey.

The finishers have plenty of fire power with Folau Fainga'a, Harry Lloyd and Sefo Kautai the replacement front row.

Bathurst-born Tom Hooper will make his first Brumbies appearance in Australia with Tom Cusack named for his 51st Super Rugby cap as the backrow cover.

The replacement backs Nic White, Irae Simone and Tom Wright will add their experience to the side from the pine.

Plus500 Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said: "Obviously we didn't get the results we were after over the last three weeks and we're looking for a response from the team on Saturday night."

"Luke has been training well all year and has performed well off the bench in his time in the Brumbies jersey so far.

"Lachlan, Bayley, Ryan and Mack have all been good for us and they've earned their opportunities in the starting side this weekend.

"It's been six weeks since we've had the chance to play at home at GIO Stadium and we're looking to recognising our Pasifika connections with a special jersey on Saturday night and also giving our Brumbies Family an opportunity to celebrate Allan's 100th Super Rugby match last weekend."

PLUS500 BRUMBIES SUPER RUGBY TRANS-TASMAN ROUND FOUR TEAM

1. Scott Sio

2. Lachlan Lonergan

3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)

4. Darcy Swain

5. Nick Frost

6. Rob Valetini

7. Luke Reimer

8. Henry Stowers

9. Ryan Lonergan

10. Noah Lolesio

11. Mack Hansen

12. Bayley Kuenzle

13. Len Ikitau

14. Solomone Kata

15. Tom Banks

REPLACEMENTS

16. Folau Fainga'a

17. Harry Lloyd

18. Sefo Kautai

19. Tom Hooper

20. Tom Cusack

21. Nic White

22. Irae Simone

23. Tom Wright

 

The Plus500 Brumbies will play the Hurricanes in Round Four of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Trans-Tasman at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Saturday June 5 at 7:45pm AEST. LIVE and AD FREE on the new Home of Rugby, Stan Sport and simulcast on Nine Gem. Tickets available here.

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