The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have released their Super Rugby Women's team for their first home match of the season against the Melbourne Rebels at GIO Stadium on Friday.
Looking to make a strong statement, the Brumbies women will be fired up to get their first win of the season in front of the home faithful in Canberra.
Coach Scott Fava has made several changes following the sides Round 1 match against the Waratahs, with four players being promoted to the starting side following strong efforts last week in Sydney.
Iroha Kishimoto and Allana Sikimeti are two of the new faces in the starting side, as both have earned a promotion to start in the front row following high impact off the bench in Round 1.
Further adding to the scrum, Katalina Amosa has also earned her first start in Brumbies colours as she will partner up with captain Siokapesi Palu and Tabua Tuinakauvadra in the back row.
The final change to the starting 15 will be through Kolora Lomani coming onto the wing, showing her extreme versatility after coming off the bench at Scrum Half in Round 1.
Hooker, Erika Maslen has been selected on the bench and will make her debut when she enters the game.
The Brumbies are proud to celebrate several milestones this week as fullback Ashlea Bishop plays her 10th match in the top grade, alongside both Tabua Tuinakauvadra and captain Siokapesi Palu celebrating their 10th and 20th matches respectively last week in Sydney.
Fava says he is eager to see his side bounce back in a big way in front of the home crowd, with changes to the side shaping up to have a big impact on Friday.
"We've brought in new props in Sikimeti and Kishimoto as well as Lomani on the wing because I think all three can bring a spark to the starting team. Our plan against the Rebels is to start fast, strike fast and to do that we need players that are ready from the kick-off and we feel these three showcased that last week," said Fava.
"We've also brought Katalina Amosa into the seven jersey, Chioma Enyi did a terrific job last week and I'm really happy with where she's at as a developing and versatile player. However, we know Katalina has the understanding of the game and Rugby IQ to give us what we need this week against the Rebels."
Following the conclusion of Friday’s game the ACT Brumbies will formally recognise the playing career and contribution to women’s rugby of Brumby #2, Louise Burrows.
- Allana Sikimeti (Tuggeranong Vikings)
- Tania Naden (Uni-Norths Owls)
- Iroha Kishimoto (Tokyo Phoenix)
- Kate Holland (Hunter Wildfires)
- Ashley Fernandez (Canberra Royals)
- Siokapesi Palu (Uni-Norths Owls)
- Katalina Amosa (Gungahlin Eagles)
- Tabua Tuinakauvadra (Tuggeranong Vikings)
- Jay Huriwai (Queanbeyan Whites)
- Faitala Moleka (Sydney Uni)
- Jemima McCalman (Sydney Uni)
- Kayla Sauvao (Campbelltown Harlequins)
- Harmony Ioane (Queanbeyan Whites)
- Kolora Lomani (TBA)
- Ashlea Bishop (Canberra Royals)
Finishers
16. Erika Maslen (Tuggeranong Vikings)*
17. Sally Fuesaina (Campbelltown Harlequins)
18. Iris Verebalavu (Uni-Norths Owls)
19. Loretta Mailangi (Gungahlin Eagles)
20. Lydia Kavoa (Uni-Norths Owls)
21. Chioma Enyi (Western Districts)
22. Kyah Little (Hunter Wildfires)
23. Biola Dawa (Canberra Royals)
Debut*
