Michaela Leonard has been selected in the Brumbies starting lineup for the club’s final Buildcorp Super W game for the 2022 season against the Fijiana Drua at Suncorp Stadium Brisbane, Saturday at 5.15pm.
The Wallaroos lock will slot into the backrow for the Brumbies after coming off the bench in last week’s 27-19 win against the Western Force.
Up front, Onēata Schwalger will make her first starting appearance for the Brumbies, the veteran selected at loosehead prop beside Harriet Elleman at hooker and Louise Burrows at tighthead.
Ash Fernandez continues at lock in what has been a breakout year for the Royals second row, with inaugural Super W captain Shellie Milward partnering the impressive youngster.
Leonard is to the only change to the backrow with Talei Qalo Wilson keeping her spot at openside, with Rebecca Smyth leading the side from number eight.
Jay Huriwai and Ash Hewson continue their partnership in the halves, with Siokapesi Palu and Lillyann Mason-Spice starting in the centres.
Biola Dawa and Jemima McCalman will threaten on the wings with Ella Ryan completing the starting selection.
Tania Naden is the finishing hooker, with Tabua Tuinakauvadra and Kimberley Fyfe the prop impact.
Grace Kemp will look to spark off the bench at lock with Pearl Rakete bringing on plenty of leadership to the backrow.
Gisela Vea and Teliya Hetaraka will bring their spark to the halves with Halley Derera a potential match winner off the bench.
Brumbies head coach, Dan Hawke said: “We’re excited to be taking on the Drua this week who have set the standard in 2022.”
“We were very pleased to earn a win last week and we’re determined to finish off with a performance we can be proud of in Brisbane.”
1. Onēata Schwalger
2. Harriet Elleman
3. Louise Burrows
4. Ash Fernandez
5. Shellie Milward
6. Michaela Leonard
7. Talei Qalo Wilson
8. Rebecca Smyth (C)
9. Jay Huriwai
10. Ash Hewson
11. Biola Dawa
12. Siokapesi Palu
13. Lillyann Mason-Spice
14. Jemima McCalman
15. Ella Ryan
16. Tania Naden
17. Tabua Tuinakauvadra
18. Kimberley Fyfe
19. Grace Kemp
20. Pearl Rakete
21. Gisela Vea
22. Teliya Hetaraka
23. Halley Derera
The Brumbies will take on the Fijiana Drua in round six of Buildcorp Super W at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday April 9 at 5.15pm AEST, live on the home of rugby, Stan Sport.
