Dan Hawke has named four debutants for the Brumbies Super W opener this Saturday at 5.15pm against the NSW Waratahs at GIO Stadium.
Wallaroos legend Ash Hewson will steer the Brumbies attack from flyhalf, partnering fellow debutant Western Sydney Two Blues livewire Jay Huriwai in the halves.
Sydney University winger and current Wallaroos player of national interest (PONI) Jemima McCalman will start on the right wing with Mana Furuta set to become the club's first ever Japanese player, combining with Siokapesi Palu in the centres.
A familiar front row sees Iris Verebalavu and veteran Louise Burrows as the bookends with Wagga Wagga local Harriet Elleman at hooker.
Canberra Royals duo Ash Fernandez and Grace Kemp will start at lock, Kemp also a current PONI.
Talei Qalo Wilson completes an incredible switch from the wing to the backrow with her inclusion at blindisde flanker. Capped Wallaroo Georgia O'Neill returns to Brumbies colours at openside with captain Rebecca Smyth wearing number eight.
Reigning Super W young player of the year Lillyann Mason-Spice will provide plenty from the left wing, with Ella Ryan completing the Brumbies starting side along with the four debutants.
Tania Naden is set to return in Brumbies colours as the finishing rake, with the reliable duo of Niki Paterson and Kimberley Fyfe the prop impact in wait.
Inaugural Brumbies captain Shellie Milward will make her return to Super W as the lock replacement with Pearl Rakete covering the backrow.
Jane Garraway will bring the spark as the halfback finisher, with young playmaker Teliya Hetaraka and option at both flyhalf and inside centre.
Brumbies fans will be excited to see the return of Sammie Wood to Brumbies colours, the expert kicker completing the Brumbies gameday selection.
Brumbies head coach Dan Hawke said: “We’re happy with our preparation heading into round one this weekend.”
“Selection has been really tough and that’s awesome for us because it shows the depth we’ve created, and we believe this first group will go out and represent us well against a very strong Waratahs team.
“This is as tough a test you can get but it’s one, we’re buzzing for and we’re happy to finally be home at GIO Stadium.”
1. Iris Verebalavu
2. Harriet Elleman
3. Louise Burrows
4. Ash Fernandez
5. Grace Kemp
6. Talei Qalo Wilson
7. Georgia O'Neill
8. Rebecca Smyth (C)
9. Jay Huriwai*
10. Ash Hewson*
11. Lillyann Mason-Spice
12. Siokapesi Palu
13. Mana Furuta*
14. Jemima McCalman
15. Ella Ryan
16. Tania Naden
17. Niki Paterson
18. Kimberley Fyfe
19. Shellie Milward
20. Pearl Rakete
21. Jane Garraway
22. Teliya Hetaraka
23. Sammie Wood
The Brumbies will play the NSW Waratahs in Round one of Super W on Saturday March 5 at 5:15pm AEDT. Get yours tickets now.
