Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies Super W head coach Scott Fava has named his side for Friday’s Buildcorp Super W round three clash against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
The Brumbies will have Wallaroos bruiser Grace Kemp in the their ranks, with Siokapesi Palu leading the side from outside centre.
The first-row combination remains unchanged with loosehead prop Iris Verebalavu and vice-captain hooker Tania Naden being joined by Black Fern Amy Rule, who was a late inclusion in last week’s starting line-up.
Vice-captain Kate Holland and Jess Grant will combine in the second row, with Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Lydia Kavoa and Wallaroo Grace Kemp forming a powerful backrow.
Jay Huriwai will continue at 9 for the third week in a row, with Gabrielle Petersen again completing the halves pairing.
Having debuted last weekend against the Waratahs, Sarah Riordan will return at inside centre with captain Siokapesi Palu ready to take charge in the centres.
Biola Dawa will be joined by fellow Wagga Wagga local Apryll Green, who makes her starting debut, and teenage playmaker Faitala Moleka who returns to the gameday 23 at fullback.
In the finishers, hooker Erika Maslen will make her ACT Brumbies debut with Sally Fuesaina and Brittany Le’Au’Anae to come on firing in the front row.
Zali Waihape will add impact in the second row and with Samoan international Alyce Solaese ready to impress again after a big effort last week.
The backs will be bolstered by Gisela Vea and Ashlea Bishop, who contributed a conversion and two penalty kicks last week. Fullback Akira Kelly completes the Brumbies matchday selection.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies Super W head coach, Scott Fava said: “We know the areas we need to work on, but overall, I’m really impressed with the team’s performances over the past two rounds.
“We’ve had many debutants earn their starts this season, they’ve have showed us what they can do and they’re only going to improve as they gain more experience.
“The Reds play a fast and physical game, and Suncorp is always a big stadium to play at, but we’re ready to go out there and fire.”
SAFEGUARD GLOBAL ACT BRUMBIES SUPER W ROUND THREE TEAM
1. Iris Verebalavu
2. Tania Naden (VC)
3. Amy Rule
4. Kate Holland (VC)
5. Jess Grant
6. Tabua Tuinakauvadra
7. Lydia Kavoa
8. Grace Kemp
9. Jay Huriwai (VC)
10. Gabrielle Petersen
11. Biola Dawa
12. Sarah Riordan
13. Siokapesi Palu (C)
14. Apryll Green
15. Faitala Moleka
REPLACEMENTS
16. Erika Maslen*
17. Sally Fuesaina
18. Brittany Le’Au’Anae
19. Zali Waihape
20. Alyce Solaese
21. Gisela Vea
22. Ashlea Bishop
23.Akira Kelly
* Denotes ACT Brumbies debut
