Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has thrown his support behind young guns Nick Frost and Lachlan Lonergan after they were promoted to the starting line-up for the Super Rugby AU Final.
McKellar was forced into a number of changes after the physical Qualifying Final win over the Western Force, with James Slipper and Pete Samu ruled out with injury.
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Both are expected to miss several weeks, with the Brumbies hopeful that they will return sometime during Trans-Tasman.
"Shattered for them. Shattered for any of the players that missed selection,” he said on Wednesday.
“Those two have played a big role in getting us here. It creates a really good opportunity and we’ll back the next person to stand up and do the job.
“…You can play with injury and tough it out, but if it’s a risk for further injury or threatens to put them on the sidelines for months, we certainly wouldn’t go down that path."
The injuries allow Frost and Lonergan to come into the side, with Frost shifted to flanker despite being used as a lock throughout the year.
It continues their rapid development, with Frost continuing to make a name for himself since returning for the Crusaders, whilst Lonergan gets his chance to impress Wallabies selectors after his camp call-up.
McKellar believes that the pair provide some real speed across the pack as they look to contain the Reds in front of a packed-out Suncorp Stadium.
“To most people he’d be considered a lock but we’ve always seen him as someone who can develop into a six,” McKellar said on Frost.
“I thought he was outstanding off the bench last Saturday…he’s tall but a real athlete and quick so he can do some damage.
“Lachy Lonergan comes in as well so we’ve got some real speed across the ground within our forward pack which we know is going to be important. A lot of repeat efforts in those players as well.”
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Former Force back-rower Henry Stowers also comes onto the bench, with McKellar admitting that he was surprised to see him still available, signing him from the Hunter Wildfires as injury cover.
“I was amazed that Henry wasn’t signed by any team or franchise across the world to be honest,” he said.
“I thought he was outstanding last year for the Force and I was a little shocked when I heard he was still available.
“He’s worked hard and got himself into Super Rugby shape over the last few weeks.
“I enquired about him months ago after (Locky) McCaffrey went overseas and (Will) Miller retired. I’ve always rated him highly, he’s played for Samoa in a World Cup, certainly did some damage last year against us. He’s very physical and can cover all three positions so I like him.”
It’s a rematch of the 2020 Super Rugby AU decider as the Reds host the Brumbies on Saturday 8 May at Suncorp Stadium, kicking off at 7:45 pm AEST.Click here to purchase tickets to one of the most anticipated Rugby matches of the year.
