After being rested in line with Rugby Australia's Rugby World Cup policy, James Slipper, Rob Valetini, Pete Samu, Nic White, and Tom Wright return to the Brumbies' starting lineup, with Len Ikitau also fit to start at outside centre.
Slipper will form the front row with Lachlan Lonergan and captain Allan Alaalatoa, with Nick Frost back in the run-on side alongside Cadeyrn Neville in the second row.
Rory Scott will wear the seven jersey with Valetini and Samu back in the back row.
White will partner Noah Lolesio in the halves, with the impressive Tamati Tua starting at inside centre to combine with Ikitau in the midfield.
The back-three of Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Wright is restored, Toole having made a remarkable start to his Super Rugby career on the left wing.
In the finishers, Rhys Van Nek will cover hooker with Fred Kaihea and Sefo Kautai coming on at prop.
Warringah Rats lock Sam Thomson is in line for his Super Rugby debut from the bench, the Scottish second rower having played professionally for Edinburgh in the URC, and both Toshiba Brave Lupus and Kintetsu Liners in Japan's Top League.
Jahrome Brown will bring plenty of energy in the back row to finish the game.
Ryan Lonergan and Jack Debreczeni will have important roles to play as the finishing halves, with Ben O'Donnell completing the Brumbies' matchday selection.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: "We're fortunate to be able to bring back a lot of experience for what is likely to be a game played at test-match intensity."
"They've talked about being underdogs, but the Waratahs have a great squad and they'll come down here under pressure to get a result so we'll be aware of that.
"We're expecting our biggest crowd in five years for this game so there's been a great energy around HQ this week and we're just excited to get to gameday."
Brumbies team to play the Waratahs:
1. James Slipper
2. Lachlan Lonergan
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Nick Frost
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Rob Valetini
7. Rory Scott
8. Pete Samu
9. Nic White
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Corey Toole
12. Tamati Tua
13. Len Ikitau
14. Andy Muirhead
15. Tom Wright
Replacements:
16. Rhys Van Nek
17. Fred Kaihea
18. Sefo Kautai
19. Sam Thomson
20. Jahrome Brown
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Jack Debreczeni
23. Ben O'Donnell
Via Press Release/Brumbies
Latest Comments
To be honest, that's excuses. SA players involved all over 12 months a year. That is not the way to excuse what's happening. There is no replacement for actual fitness, which the English need. In all their games, it was clear that they are not fit enough for 80 min playing. You have to put in the work to get fit. Numbers won't change that. They need the right conditioning and fitness coaches. They rely on a defensive system that requires ultimate fitness. Don't use strategies that counters your abilities. Stop seeking excuses. Also it's a mental thing. They have to break through that mental block. Plenty of rumours around that players and coaches aren't happy with Borthwick. That could just be rumour spreading too, however, where there is smoke, there is usually fire
Go to commentsWhy would he be?😅
Go to comments