TEAM NEWS: Brumbies bench Sio for Sunwolves clash

Thu, May 30, 2019, 6:04 AM
AAP
by AAP
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar says he's happy with how his back-row has been performing after an impressive win over the Bulls. Lachlan McCaffery is set to return for their round 16 clash against the Sunwolves on Saturday afternoon.

The Brumbies have made just one rotation-forced change to their starting side to face the Sunwolves on Saturday as they chase four straight Super Rugby wins for the first time since 2016.

Wallabies veteran James Slipper replaces Scott Sio at tighthead as the Brumbies look to extend their lead in the Australian conference.

The backline remains unchanged after running in eight tries in their past two games, with winger Henry Speight and centre Tevita Kuridrani keen to continue their charge back into Australian jumpers.

Five-eighth Christian Lealiifano is also in a rich vein of form and will want to impress in Japan, where the World Cup will kick off in September.

James Slipper celebrates his try against the Blues. Photo: Getty Images

Test locks Sam Carter and Rory Arnold will pack down together, while revelation flanker Jahrome Brown keeps his spot despite Lachlan McCaffrey's return.

McCaffrey comes back via the bench after six weeks out with a knee injury that halted his charge as a potential Wallabies bolter.

The back-rower returns at the expense of Murray Douglas, while halfback Matt Lucas has forced his way back onto the pine for youngster Ryan Lonergan.

The Brumbies take on the Sunwolves in Tokyo on Saturday, June 1, kicking off at 3:15pm, LIVE on Fox Sports, Kayo and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.

TEAM

Brumbies to face Sunwolves

1. James Slipper

2. Folau Faingaa

3. Allan Alaalatoa

4. Rory Arnold

5. Sam Carter

6. Tom Cusack

7. Jahrome Brown

8. Pete Samu

9. Joe Powell

10. Christian Lealiifano

11. Toni Pulu

12. Irae Simone

13. Tevita Kuridrani

14. Henry Speight

15. Tom Banks

Reserves:

16. Connal McInerney

17. Scott Sio

18. Les Makin

19. Darcy Swain

20. Lachlan McCaffrey

21. Rob Valetini

22. Matt Lucas

23. Tom Wright

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