Argentinian scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli will face his first Super Rugby test this weekend, starting for the Brumbies against the Waratahs.
Cubelli joined the club ahead of the 2016 season, after being part of Los Pumas’ Rugby World Cup semi-final campaign.
He will partner with Wallabies back Matt Toomua in the halves, part of a 31-man squad named by Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham.
While most of the side’s Wallabies have been rested for the trial, regular starter Tevita Kuridrani will come off the bench in the trial.
Wallabies reserve winger Joe Tomane will also come off the bench for the ACT franchise.
High school super boot Nick Jooste will play his first Brumbies game in Wagga as well, after impressing in the NRC competition.
While they’ll likely be competing for the same back row spot during the season, Jarrad Butler and Ita Vaea will team up as openside and number eight, respectively, in the absence of regular seven David Pocock.
Prop Ruan Smith will feature in the action less than a week after returning from the Japanese Top League.
The Brumbies will blood plenty of Extended Playing Squad members in the match as Larkham looks to test out his youth ahead of the 2016 season.
The Brumbies face the Waratahs in Wagga on Saturday February 6, before meeting the Reds at Ballymore six days later.
Their Super Rugby season kicks off on February 26, with the Brumbies hosting the Hurricanes at GIO Stadium.
BRUMBIES v NSW WARATAHS
1. Allan Alaalatoa
2. Josh Mann-Rea
3. Ben Alexander
4. Tom Staniforth
5. Sam Carter
6. Jordan Smiler
7. Jarrad Butler
8. Ita Vaea
9. Tomás Cubelli
10. Matt Toomua
11. Nigel Ah Wong
12. Jordan Jackson-Hope
13. Andrew Smith
14. Lausii Taliauli
15. Aidan Toua
RESERVES
16. Albert Anae
17. Robbie Abel
18. Leslie Leuluai’ali’i-Makin
19. Ruan Smith
20. Rory Arnold
21. Blake Enever
22. Ben Hyne
23. Michael Wells
24. Joe Powell
25. Michael Dowsett
26. Nick Jooste
27. Joe Tomane
28. Jake Rakic
29. Tevita Kuridrani
30. James Dargaville
31. Isaac Thompson