Super W: Smyth injury forces Brumbies to reshuffle pack

Brumbies women's coach Adam Butt has made two changes to his side for this weekend's clash against the Waratahs.

In-form backrower Rebecca Smyth has been ruled out with a broken nose, sparking a forward pack reshuffle.

Ema Masi replaces Smyth at no. 7,and Zali Waihape-Andrews moves from lock into the blindside flanker spot.

That shift pushes Emily Sogal into a starting second row spot, combining with co-captain Michaela Leonard.

Scrumhalf Phoebe Loughhead comes onto the bench to give the pine a 5-3 split for the Brumbies while front rower Niki Patterson comes into the 23 on the pine as well.

Butt said he was confident his side had the depth to cover the loss of  Smyth.

"To lose Rebecca is obviously disappointing but we're really happy with the depth we have across not only the backrow but the squad as whole," he said.

"We've been improving each week during the season and we know this week's match is going to be a big challenge but it's something we're ready for and we're confident we can step again."

Both the Brumbies and Waratahs are undefeated in the 2020 Super W season and will be looking to make a statement in round three.

The Brumbies women take on the Waratahs at Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta on Friday February 28, kicking off at 4:35pm AEDT, LIVE on RUGBY.com.au, Foxtel and Kayo Sports. The Waratahs men play the Lions later in the at 7:15pm AEDT, LIVE on Foxtel, Kayo Sports and  via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.

TEAM

Brumbies to take on Waratahs 

1. Peta Cox

2. Harriet Elleman

3. Louise Burrows

4. Michaela Leonard (c)

5. Emily Sogal

6. Zali Waihape-Andrews

7. Ema Masi

8. Tayla Stanford

9. Jane Garraway (c)

10. Ella Ryan

11. Darcy Read

12. Sammie Wood

13. Pesi Palu

14. Gabrielle Petersen

15. Talei Qalo Wilson

Reserves

16. Tania Afamasaga

17. Niki Patterson

18. Iris Verebalavu

19. Grace Sullivan

20. Pearl Rakete

21. Phoebe Loughhead

22. Claudia Obst

23. Ainsley Scrivener