Records set to tumble for Brumbies

Records are set to tumble at Ellis Park on Saturday as Tevita Kuridrani wins his 100^th Brumbies Super Rugby cap whilst team-mate Ben Alexander will rack up his 150^th appearance from the replacements bench when the Brumbies meet the Lions in South Africa.

Kuridrani will bring up the century from a starting position at inside centre with Alexander set to reach his milestone should he, as expected, make an appearance from amongst the finishers on the weekend.

Head Coach Dan McKellar has named a new-look backrow as Rob Valetini lines up at flanker alongside returning duo David Pocock and Isi Naisarani, both sufficiently recovered from recent injury to be selected in the starting side.

There are more changes in the backline with Christian Lealiifano reverting to flyhalf, partnering with scrumhalf Joe Powell, while Kuridrani will link up with Kyle Godwin at inside centre.

McKellar has opted for a bench split of six forwards and two backs. Matt Lucas and Andrew Smith provide backline cover.

Up front Alexander is joined by hooker Robbie Abel, and fellow prop Mick Mayhew, with Blake Enever the second-row cover. Lachlan McCaffrey and Tom Cusack will bring robustness, pace and physical power as backrow options as the visitors look to get their South African tour off to a winning start.

BRUMBIES

1. Scott Sio, 2. Folau Fainga'a, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Rory Arnold, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. David Pocock, 8. Isi Naisarani, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Andrew Muirhead, 12. Kyle Godwin, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Henry Speight, 15. Tom Banks.

Reserves: 16. Robbie Abel, 17. Nick Mayhew, 18. Ben Alexander, 19. Blake Enever, 20. Lachlan McCaffrey, 21. Tom Cusack, 22. Matt Lucas, 23. Andrew Smith.