Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies Super W head coach Scott Fava has made six changes to his starting selection to take on the NSW Waratahs at GIO Stadium this Saturday at 5:05pm AEDT.
The first home double header fixture this season, Fava has named four potential ACT Brumbies debutants, with the inclusion of Rugby World Cup winning New Zealand Black Ferns prop Amy Rule.
The front-row combination remains unchanged with Fijiana loosehead prop Iris Verebalavu, vice-captain and Wallaroos hooker Tania Naden, and Tongan tighthead prop Lila Hifo.
Ash Fernandez’s absence sees vice-captain Kate Holland start at lock to combine with Jess Grant in the second row, the pair having earnt their ACT Brumbies debuts last week against the Fijiana Drua.
Tabua Tuinakauvadra moves to blindside flanker, with Edwina Munns-Cook making her ACT Brumbies debut at openside flanker. Try-scorer Grace Kemp returns at number eight after a dominant performance last week.
Vice-captain Jay Huriwai will continue to steer the side from 9, with Gabrielle Petersen getting her first start of the season at 10 to complete the halves pairing.
10-cap Wallaroo Sarah Riordan makes her ACT Brumbies debut at inside centre with Wallaroo and captain Siokapesi Palu moving to outside centre.
The back three of Biola Dawa, Ash Bishop and Wallaroo Jemima McCalman remains unchanged from round one.
In the finishers, hooker Harriet Elleman and Sally Fuesaina will come on in the front row with Rule, the tighthead having played a starring role in Matatū’s Super Rugby Aupiki Grand Final victory last Saturday.
Zali Waihape will add plenty of value in the second row and with Samoan international Alyce Solaese set to make her ACT Brumbies debut in the backrow.
Gisela Vea and Sammie Wood will add spark to the backs with fullback Akira Kelly completing the Brumbies matchday selection.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies Super W head coach, Scott Fava said: “It was a tough battle against the Fijiana on Saturday, but we know where we need to tighten up and we’re confident that we can continue to build this week.
“We’ve made a few adjustments going into the Tahs game, but we have some quality debutants who will get their chance to shine.
“It’s our first fixture at GIO Stadium, so we’re very excited to play at our home in front of an energetic crowd.”
SAFEGUARD GLOBAL ACT BRUMBIES SUPER W ROUND TWO TEAM
1. Iris Verebalavu
2. Tania Naden (VC)
3. Lila Hifo
4. Kate Holland
5. Jess Grant
6. Tabua Tuinakauvadra
7. Edwina Munns-Cook*
8. Grace Kemp
9. Jay Huriwai (VC)
10. Gabrielle Petersen
11. Biola Dawa
12.Sarah Riordan*
13. Siokapesi Palu (C)
14. Jemima McCalman
15. Ashlea Bishop
REPLACEMENTS
16. Harriet Elleman
17. Sally Fuesaina
18. Amy Rule*
19. Zali Waihape
20. Alyce Solaese*
21. Gisela Vea
22. Sammie Wood
23. Akira Kelly
*Denotes ACT Brumbies Debut
