Kyle Godwin will have his first outing in a Brumbies jersey on Saturday, named at inside centre for his new team in its trial against the Australian Barbarians.
Godwin is one of four capped Test players in the starting lineup, alongside Josh Mann-Rea, Sam Carter and Ben Alexander, with Carter captaining the side.
The former Force playmaker will team up with Kiwi flyhalf Wharenui Hawera in the clash, with Hawera having first crack at filling Christian Lealiifano’s void.
New recruits Tom Cusack (Australian Sevens) and Chris Alcock (Force) will start in the back row for the Brumbies, in their debuts for the club.
Wallabies Scott Fardy, Tevita Kuridrani, Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa are all sitting out the opening preseason trial.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said the match would be important for players pushing their credentials in a new-look outfit.
This game is an important part of our pre-season preparations and we are looking forward to the challenge presented by the Australian Barbarians,” he said.
“The boys have been putting in the hard yards on the training fields and are excited about getting into competitive action.
“This friendly will enable us to run the rule over a few players and is a chance for them to put their hands up for a starting spot for Round 1 of Super Rugby. - Stephen Larkham
“It’s a new-look team with a number of new faces taking to the field for the first time and they will be keen to implement some ideas that we have been working hard on during pre-season.
“We will also be giving an opportunity to several players who worked hard prior to Christmas with Andrew Muirhead, Mac Hansen, Isaac Thompson and Jamie Kotz all likely to play some part in the match.”
TEAM
Brumbies to face Australian Barbarians at Viking Park
1. Nic Mayhew
2. Josh Mann-Rea
3. Ben Alexander
4. Tom Staniforth
5. Sam Carter (c)
6. Tom Cusack
7. Chris Alcock
8. Lolo Fakosilea
9. Joe Powell
10. Wharenui Hawera
11. Lausii Taliauli
12. Kyle Godwin
13. Andrew Smith
14. Andrew Muirhead
15. Aidan Toua
Reserves
16. Robbie Abel
17. Faalelei Sione
18. Leslie Leuluaialii Makin
19. Blake Enever
20. Jordan Smiler
21. Tomas Cubelli
22. Jordan Jackson-Hope
23. Mac Hansen
24. Saia Faingaa
25. Jarrad Butler
26. Ben Hyne
27. Ryan Lonergan
28. Isaac Thompson
29. Jamie Kotz
30. Henry Speight
Australian Barbarians squad
1. Rory O'Connor (Rays)
2. James Hilterbrand (Rays)
3. David Lolohea (Rams)
4. Adrian Hall (Rays)
5. Tom Alexander (Rams)
6. Will Munro (Eagles)
7. Will Miller (Rays)
8. Tyrone Viiga (Rams)
9. Dewet Roos (Rays)
10. AJ Alatimu (Spirit)
11. Sione Taufa (Rising)
12. Andrew Robinson (Vikings)
13. Dennis Pili-Gaitau (Rays)
14. Eli Sinoti (Vikings)
15. Junior Laloifi (Brisbane City)
Reserves
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Rams)
17. Laione Mulikihaamea (Spirit)
18. Philip Kite (Vikings)
19. Tyrell Barker (Queensland Country)
20. Dean Oakman-Hunt (Vikings)
21. Edan Campbell-O'Brien (Vikings)
22. Tom Hill (Eagles)
23. Mainhera Eden (Spirit).
