Plus500 Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made three changes to the starting XV ahead of their showdown with the Highlanders in Canberra on Saturday night.
96 Test Wallaby James Slipper will start for the first time in 2020 with Scott Sio named as a replacement as the side look to make it three from three to start their season.
🐴🎶 Never. Gets. Old #ProudToBeABrumby pic.twitter.com/0jSVpwc7iS
— Plus500 Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) February 7, 2020
2020 recruit Will Miller gets his first opportunity in the number seven jersey, replacing Tom Cusack, who is rested following a head knock last weekend, while Darcy Swain will slot straight back into the second row after recovering from injury.
The reshuffle also sees the return of crowd favourite Lachlan McCaffrey, local product Tom Ross and dynamic outside back Len Ikitau who have all been named in the replacements for their first appearances this season.
A win on Saturday night will see the team increase their winning streak at GIO Stadium to 11, which would be the equal second longest in the club's history.
Saturday's round three fixture will also be the first Double Header of the season, with the Brumbies Super W side set to begin their 2020 campaign against RugbyWA at 4:35pm.
Two for the price of one! Can't wait to see you all at our first double header of 2020! #BRUvHIG #SuperW
— Plus500 Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) February 11, 2020
🎫: https://t.co/dnUoZHGIGI pic.twitter.com/EN5k5XETng
Plus500 Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said: "We're really fortunate to be able to rotate James and Scott in the front row, it's something that worked well for us last year and we'll keep assessing it moving forward.
"It also gives local boy Tom Ross a chance for his first match this year, he's been working really hard on his game during the preseason and performed well for the Runners last weekend to earn an opportunity.
"I'm excited to see Will get his first start as he's been great for us off the bench and to have Locky back is excellent too, he brings a lot of experience and leadership to the team.
"We're really looking forward to getting out in front of our home crowd at GIO Stadium for the first time on a Saturday this year and for a great crowd to turn out for an exciting match and also to support our Super W team playing beforehand."
PLUS500 BRUMBIES ROUND THREE TEAM
1. James Slipper
2. Folau Fainga'a
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)
4. Darcy Swain
5. Murray Douglas
6. Rob Valetini
7. Will Miller
8. Pete Samu
9. Joe Powell
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Tom Wright
12. Irae Simone
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Solomone Kata
15. Tom Banks
REPLACEMENTS
16. Connal McInerney
17. Tom Ross
18. Scott Sio
19. Cadeyrn Neville
20. Lachlan McCaffrey
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Len Ikitau
23. Andy Muirhead
The Plus500 Brumbies will take on the Highlanders in round three at GIO Stadium next Saturday night at 7:15pm. The Brumbies Super W side will also kick off their campaign next Saturday as part of a double header beginning at 4:35pm. Tickets available here.
