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Irae Simone returns for Brumbies battle with Chiefs but hat-trick hooker out with a toe injury
By Online Editors
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made three changes to the starting side ahead of their match against the Chiefs at FMG Stadium in Waikato on Saturday evening.
Inside centre Irae Simone has overcome sickness to take his place in the side, once again partnering Tevita Kuridrani in the midfield.
Last week's hat-trick scorer Folau Fainga'a has been replaced at hooker after suffering a toe injury, with Connal McInerney earning his first start of the season.
Andy Muirhead is named on the wing for the first time in 2020 with Toni Pulu set to see his first minutes of the year against his former club from the pine.
The rest of the backline remains unchanged with Joe Powell and Noah Lolesio set to continue to build on their combination in the halves.
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Australian Under 20s representative Lachlan Lonergan is in line for a potential Super Rugby debut from the bench, named alongside older brother Ryan as a replacement.
Young playmaker Bayley Kuenzle makes his return to the side from the bench while fullback Tom Banks is set to bring up his 50th Super Rugby cap this weekend.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said: "It's great to have a guy like Irae back in the squad, he brings a lot of experience and gives the team confidence when he's out on the field."
"Connal has been performing really well for us as a finisher so it's a good reward for him to get his first start of the season. It also means we get to see Lachlan make his Super Rugby debut which is a special moment for him and his family, especially alongside his brother.
"We know the Chiefs are playing well and we respect them as the side but we've going over there full of confidence and are looking to come away with the win."
Brumbies: Tom Banks, Solomone Kata, Tevita Kuridrani, Irae Simone, Andy Muirhead, Noah Lolesio, Joe Powell, Pete Samu, Will Miller, Rob Valeteni, Murray Douglas, Cadeyrn Neville, Allan Alaalatoa, Connal McInerney, James Slipper. Reserves: Lachlan Lonergan, Scott Sio, Tom Ross, Nick Frost, Lachlan McCaffrey, Ryan Lonergan, Bayley Kuenzle, Toni Pulu.
- Brumbies Rugby
WATCH: Brumbies backs Andy Muirhead and Toni Pulu spoke to the media ahead of this weekend's match.
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Latest Comments
Does anyone know a way to loook at how many mins each player has played whilst on tour?
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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