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Released Wallabies prop Scott Sio says a win by beefed-up Brumbies team over the British and Irish Lions on Tuesday night would rock the tourists’ confidence ahead of the three-Test series.
Sio was one of four Wallabies squad members released on Thursday to play for either the Brumbies or NSW Waratahs in the Lions’ next two tour matches – their last before the June 22 first Test in Brisbane.
Fellow forward Peter Kimlin will join Sio in the Brumbies pack at Canberra Stadium on Tuesday night while Waratahs skipper Dave Dennis and centre Rob Horne will play at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
Although the release of Sio and Kimlin from the 31-man Australian squad indicates they are out of contention for the series opener, the 21-year-old prop sees the Brumbies tour match against the Lions “dirt-trackers” as a huge opportunity.
Sio said a Canberra boilover, albeit against the tourists’ second-string team, would work wonders for the Wallabies.
“It would be amazing and would set the standard for Australian rugby,” said Sio at the Wallabies camp in Caloundra.
“I know the boys’ mentality down there starting training today is win, win, win and it’s a big game for them.
“If you can knock off the Lions earlier in the week and hopefully give the boys here confidence – that’s our main goal.”
Sio also said it would halt the unbeaten Lions’ momentum and jolt their confidence.
“It would. Being at the standard they are and the amount of elite players they have it can send different messages to them.”
Although blindside flanker Dennis and Horne will still be involved in the full first Test build-up next week and are available for selection, their temporary release is a sign they will miss a starting role at Suncorp Stadium against the Lions.
Pat McCabe and Adam Ashley-Cooper loom as Australia’s centre pairing ahead of Horne while Ben Mowen and Hugh McMemiman look to have better chances than Dennis to start at No.6.
Unlike the Brumbies and Waratahs, Queensland had all seven of their Wallabies put off-limits for last weekend’s tour game but still pushed them hard, losing 22-12.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.