Tabcorp Brumbies coach Dan Hawke has named seven potential debutants for the side’s Buildcorp Super W opener against the Melbourne Rebels this Saturday at Seiffert Oval.
Wallaroos star Lillyann Mason-Spice and Victorian flyer Halley Derera are the two new-look faces in the Brumbies starting lineup, with a host of newcomers in the finishers.
Hooker and vice-captain Harriet Elleman is flanked in the front-row by loosehead prop Iris Verebalavu and Louise Burrows at tighthead, the veteran having played every game for the Brumbies in 2020.
Test-squad members Grace Kemp and Michaela Leonard combine in the second row, Leonard leading the side in 2021.
Goulburn product Pearl Rakete will occupy the blindside flanker role after an impressive preseason, with Rebecca Smyth providing quality and experience at openside.
Number eight, Zali Waihape-Andrews will be one to watch for Brumbies fans in her second season of Super W.
Jane Garraway and Ella Ryan will renew their 2020 partnership in the halves, with Siokapesi Palu and Mason-Spice providing punch in the centres.
Debutant Derera will start on the left wing with Talei Qalo Wilson on the right. Fullback Claudia Obst completes the run-on side.
Gordon star Montana Ojeda will make her Brumbies debut as the finishing hooker, with tighthead reserve Kimberley Fyfe also making her first appearance for the club off the pine. Niki Paterson will provide plenty of quality as the loosehead prop replacement.
2019 Super W player of the year Tayla Stanford will look to make an impact off the bench with Ash Fernandez the lock finisher.
Eastern Suburbs halfback Susannah Cooke, Wagga Wagga product Apryl Green and Tess Staines will look to provide some spark to the Brumbies backline off the bench.
Tabcorp Brumbies coach, Dan Hawke said: “We’re excited for those who get first crack this weekend, particularly those who will play their first game for the Brumbies.”
“We haven’t had a lot of chances to put our work to the test with some preseason trials getting cancelled, so I think the team are just keen to get out there on Saturday and play.
“It’s important we get the season off to a good start and head up to Coffs Harbour next week with a positive performance and result under our belts.”
TABCORP BRUMBIES TEAM vs MELBOURNE REBELS
1. Iris Verebalavu
2. Harriet Elleman
3. Louise Burrows
4. Michaela Leonard (c)
5. Gracie Kemp
6. Pearl Rakete
7. Rebecca Smyth
8. Zali Waihape-Andrews
9. Jane Garraway
10. Ella Ryan
11. Halley Derera
12. Siokapesi Palu
13. Lillyann Mason-Spice
14. Talei Qalo Wilson
15. Claudia Obst
REPLACEMENTS
16. Montana Ojeda
17. Niki Paterson
18. Kimberley Fyfe
19. Ash Fernandez
20. Tayla Stanford
21. Susannah Cooke
22. Apryll Green
23.Tess Staines
The Tabcorp Brumbies will play the Melbourne Rebels in Round One of Buildcorp Super W at Seiffert Oval in Queanbeyan on Saturday June 19 at 3:00pm AEST. LIVE and AD FREE on the new Home of Rugby, Stan Sport. Tickets available here.
