Lucas takes halfback spot against Reds

Matt Lucas will start at halfback for the Brumbies on Saturday night, in a crucial match against the Reds.

Lucas has been playing second fiddle to Joe Powell this season, but coach Dan McKellar has propelled him into the starting XV for this weekend.

The scrumhalf is one of three changes to their backs, with Chance Peni into a starting wing spot and possible debutant James Verity-Amm on the bench, with Lausi Taliauli and Andy Muirhead both left out of the 23.

Co-captain Sam Carter has been named to return from a concussion that has put him on the sidelines for three weeks, with his comeback at the expense of Richie Arnold.

Les Makin is also a familiar face on the bench, replacing prop Mees Erasmus, who missed out on a chance to make his Brumbies debut last week.

Henry Speight will notch his century in Saturday's match, a week after long-time teammate David Pocock hit the milestone against the Waratahs.

The Brumbies host the Reds on Saturday night at Canberra Stadium, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.

TEAM

IN: Chance Peni, Les Makin, Sam Carter, James Verity-Amm

OUT: Andy Muirhead, Mees Erasmus, Richie Arnold, Lausi Taliauli

1. Scott Sio

2. Folau Fainga’a

3. Allan Alaalatoa

4. Rory Arnold

5. Blake Enever

6. Lachlan Mccaffrey

7. David Pocock

8. Isi Naisarani

9. Matt Lucas

10. Wharenui Hawera

11. Chance Peni

12. Christian Lealiifano

13. Tevita Kuridrani

14. Henry Speight

15. Tom Banks

Reserves 

16. Robbie Abel

17. Faalelei Sione

18. Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin

19. Sam Carter

20. Tom Cusack

21. Joe Powell

22. Kyle Godwin

23. James Verity-Amm