Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar has made four changes to his starting lineup for the side’s clash against the Queensland Reds on Friday night at GIO Stadium. Tickets available here.
Wallaby centurion James Slipper is closing in on 150 Super Rugby caps and comes into start at loosehead prop against the Reds, with Folau Fainga’a also returning the side as the starting hooker.
Darcy Swain starts at lock beside Nick Frost, with Tom Hooper earning a spot in the finishers off the back of an impressive outing in the run-on side last time out.
The backrow trio of Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown and Pete Samu remains unchanged from the Brumbies 36-17 victory over the Melbourne Rebels in round four.
Nic White and Noah Lolesio continue as the halves pairing with Irae Simone and Len Ikitau combining in the centres.
Andy Muirhead returns to the left flank after a refresh in round four with Tom Wright on the right wing and Tom Banks at fullback completing the Brumbies starting selection.
Connal McInerney retains his place in the gameday 23 as the finishing hooker with Brumbies centurion Scott Sio and Sefo Kautai the prop impact.
Hooper will cover the locks with fellow Brumbies pathways graduate Luke Reimer in the Brumbies squad for the third game in succession.
Ryan Lonergan will have an important role to play off the bench with Chris Feauai-Sautia and Jesse Mogg completing the Brumbies gameday squad.
Brumbies head coach, Dan McKellar said: “We’re happy with where we’re at this stage of the season but we know Friday night is going to be our biggest challenge so far.”
“The Reds are a good side; we have plenty of respect for what they do, and I think the rivalry we’ve created with them over the past couple of years is great for Australian rugby.
“We’ve picked a squad off the back of performance in training and in the first four rounds and we’re backing them to go out and perform in front of our members, fans, friends and family on Friday night.
1. James Slipper
2. Folau Fainga'a
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)
4. Darcy Swain
5. Nick Frost
6. Rob Valetini
7. Jahrome Brown
8. Pete Samu
9. Nic White
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Andy Muirhead
12. Irae Simone
13. Len Ikitau
14. Tom Wright
15. Tom Banks
16. Connal McInerney
17. Scott Sio
18. Sefo Kautai
19. Tom Hooper
20. Luke Reimer
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Chris Feauai-Sautia
23. Jesse Mogg
The Brumbies will take on the Queensland Reds in round five of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific at GIO Stadium on Friday, March 18.
