UPDATE: Ryan Lonergan's patient apprenticeship has ensured he will be ready to make his first Super Rugby start after the Brumbies named a tweaked side to face the Sunwolves in Wollongong.
Coach Dan McKellar has handed Lonergan his first start in the no.9 jersey, replacing Joe Powell, who has been named on the bench.
“With all of our young players, you’ve got to make sure you develop them, it’s not just about selecting them and throwing them out there, you’ve got to develop them over time," McKellar said.
“A lot of times the player’s in a rush but I don’t think 'Lonners' has ever been in a rush, he’s been really patient and he’s had a few pre-seasons with us now.
"He’s had exposure off the bench and you can see now when he gets his opportunity, he’s ready to thrive and perform well and he’s got full confidence in the work that he’s done over the last couple of years.
“He’s a good footballer, he’s a threat in and around around the ruck, he’s really improved the defensive responsibilities he’s had that Laurie (Fisher) has given him and his kicking game and clearance and control is very good."
McKellar said he had spied an opportunity "maybe a week or so ago" for Longergan to start and Toni Pulu to make his long-awaited return from injury.
“I thought both Ryan and Joe (Powell) have been really good and I just thought it would be good to give Joey a rest," McKellar said.
"The halfbacks do a lot of metres both at training and in games and while Joey is a competitive little bugger and wants to start every week, Lonners has earnt an opportunity as well as the rotation, so it’s something I thought about before the Chiefs game.
He’s got a lot of control with his clearance game, his kicking, his goal kicking, I think he’s really come along over the pre-season and he’s playing good footy.
“Joey’s the same, so it’s good. And then I’ve got Issak Fines waiting in the wings for his opportunity, he’s another outstanding footballer as well, so it’s good for Lonners to get a crack this week."
Toni Pulu is the other backline change for the Brumbies, named for his first start of 2020, pushing Andy Muirhead out of the 23.
“We’ve got a group of really good wingers and we’ve spoken to them all together, so 'TP' gets a chance this week," McKellar said.
“It’s been a frustrating little period for him with his ankle but it’s good to have him back to full fitness and he’s ready to go.
“I want to see him go looking for the ball and get the ball in his hands and have multiple touches.
“Ten plus carries would be nice, if we’re getting that out of our outside backs we’re generally doing well. That was to be seen in Hamilton.
“And his speed, he’s one of the quickest going around TP, so if he gets into open space, you can put the glasses down. I just want to see him get involved and perform well."
In the pack, Scott Sio will start at loosehead over James Slipper while Connal McInerney retains his starting hooker spot with Folau Fainga'a still injured.
“We don’t want to rush him back too early and then he’s out for six weeks of whatever," McKellar said of Fainga'a.
“He’s progressing nicely. If it was a final, you’d push him out there but we don’t need to do that at this moment in time.
“And with Connal (McInerney) and Lachie Lonergan off the bench, who were very good over in Hamilton, I’ve got full confidence in those boys."
Tom Cusack will play for the first time since round two, after battling illness and concussion, while Darcy Swain has also earned a Super Rugby comeback.
Reesjan Pasitoa and Tom Wright round out the changes on the pine for Friday's rescheduled match.
McKellar said the Brumbies would not underestimate their opponents though.
"The Sunwolves are a really dangerous team and we're not reading into their recent results, they got a good win over the Rebels at the start of the season and we're certainly expecting a tough game on Friday," he said.
"We're looking forward to getting up to Wollongong for what's become a Super Rugby double header and to seeing plenty of our supporters at the game on Friday."
The Brumbies take on the Sunwolves on Friday March 6, kicking off at 2:45pm AEDT, LIVE on Foxtel, Kayo Sports and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
TEAM
Brumbies to face Sunwolves
IN: Darcy Swain, Tom Cusack, Tom Wright, Reesjan Pasitoa
OUT: Nick Frost, Locky McCaffrey, Andy Muirhead, Bayley Kuenzle
1. Scott Sio
2. Connal McInerney
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)
4. Murray Douglas
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Rob Valetini
7. Will Miller
8. Pete Samu
9. Ryan Lonergan
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Toni Pulu
12. Irae Simone
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Solomone Kata
15. Tom Banks
Reserves
16. Lachlan Lonergan
17. James Slipper
18. Tom Ross
19. Darcy Swain
20. Tom Cusack
21. Joe Powell
22. Reesjan Pasitoa
23. Tom Wright
