Brumbies name big guns for Suntory showdown

Sat, Jun 16, 2018, 2:14 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Christian Lealiifano will lead the Brumbies attack against Suntory. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley
Christian Lealiifano will lead the Brumbies attack against Suntory. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

They may be missing their current Wallabies stars but six capped internationals will start for the Brumbies on Sunday when they face Suntory in Tokyo.

Christian Lealiifano, Henry Speight, Kyle Godwin, Sam Carter, Blake Enever and Ben Alexander have all been named in a strong starting XV which will square off with Suntory's contingent of Australians.

Sean McMahon and Jordan Smiler will both start for the Top League champions, Matt Giteau named on the bench.


Up front, the Brumbies have rolled an out impressive pack - Enever, Tom Cusack and Naisarani all charged with curbing the impact of McMahon.

Richie Arnold will pack down with Carter in the second row, Nic Mayhew and Connal McInerney joining Alexander in the front row.

Matt Lucas pairs up with Lealiifano in the halves, with Lausii Taliauli and Andrew Muirhead to add spark with Speight in the back three.

The Brumbies face Suntory in Tokyo on Sunday as part of the Minato Rugby Festival, kicking off at 3pm AEST.

TEAM

Brumbies team to face Suntory

1. Nic Mayhew

2. Connal McInerney

3. Ben Alexander

4. Richie Arnold

5. Sam Carter

6. Blake Enever

7. Tom Cusack

8. Isi Naisarani

9. Matt Lucas

10. Christian Lealiifano

11. Lausii Taliauli

12. Kyle Godwin

13. Andrew Smith

14. Henry Speight

15. Andrew Muirhead

Reserves

16. Robbie Abel

17. Faalelei Sione

18. Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin

19. Darcy Swain

20. Benjamin Edwards

21. Jordan Jackson-Hope

22. Wharenui Hawera

23. James Dargaville

24. James Verity-Amm

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