The Brumbies have sprung a surprise by benching Wallabies halfback Nic White for their Super Rugby clash with the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday.
White’s spot has gone to his backup Michael Dowsett who will make his starting debut.
White had an unusually patchy game for the Australian conference leaders in their 16-14 loss to the Blues in Auckland last Friday night.
But the Brumbies insisted that wasn’t the reason he’s been benched.
“It’s always been on the agenda to give Whitey a freshen-up,” said assistant coach Dan McKellar.
“His game last week doesn’t have anything to do with the selection.
“It’s just about keeping guys fresh, and making sure that guys aren’t just constantly sitting on the pine.
“Michael Dowsett is a contracted player and we’ve got to back him, and we’ve got full confidence he’ll do a really good job on Saturday.”
Having fielded an unchanged side for the first month of the competition, injury has taken grip and forced the Brumbies into a number of other changes.
Christian Lealiifano moves in one position to flyhalf in place of the injured Matt Toomua, with Nigel Ah Wong making his first start for 2015 at inside centre.
Lausii Taliauli will start on the wing in place of the injured James Dargaville.
Up front, JP Smith replaces injured loosehead prop Scott Sio, while rising star Rory Arnold returns at lock with Blake Enever dropping to the bench.
Jordan Smiler and Ita Vaea remain on the bench for extra backrow cover in a six-two forwards-backs split, while bench midfielder Rodney Iona is a chance to play his first Super Rugby match since debuting against the Waratahs last season.
Brumbies: Robbie Coleman; Lausii Taliauli, Henry Speight, Nigel Ah Wong, Joe Tomane; Christian Lealiifano, Michael Dowsett; Jarrad Butler, David Pocock, Scott Fardy; Sam Carter, Rory Arnold; Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, JP Smith. Reserves: Josh Mann-Rea, Allan Alaalatoa, Ruan Smith, Blake Enever, Ita Vaea, Jordan Smiler, Nic White, Rodney Iona.
By Brett McKay – AAP
Markus
Guest
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Sam
Guest
McMahon, Fuglistaller, Higginbotham and Timani could make life difficult for a new halves combination... Particularly with CLL playing with less time and space than normal.
Markus
Guest
So turns out that White has been nursing an ankle injury which led to the benching, and is now out of Saturday's game entirely. Aus U20s scrumhalf Joe Powell comes onto the bench. Another promising young player, I think he actually outperformed Dowsett in a few games for the Vikings during the NRC.
ethan
Guest
I would strongly disagree with this. White has been playing like a pork chop lately. He has his moments, but is certainly not consistent.
Markus
Guest
james I think the Brumbies are still heavily managing Vaea's workload at present. He looks as strong as ever but is still a long way away from peak fitness. Keep in mind that he wasn't even initially planned to play this year, just train with the squad aiming for a 2016 return. Iwillnotstandby it would be between Vaea and Jarrad Butler at 8. Vaea is more explosive in attack but Butler has the higher workrate and can play the full 80 minutes.
Iwillnotstandby
Guest
If it's between Vaea and Arnold at 8, Arnold has form this year. Vaea could have massive impact off the bench. About time Dowsett got more time. White is away to greener pastures after this season and while he is a significant loss, Dowsett needs time to step up.
Paul Green
Guest
I agree along the lines of rotation but I think there's more to this than we're told. White has been the most consistent back in both form & minutes in the past 2 years for the Brumbies to rest him makes some sense given their about to face Highlanders, Waratahs then Stormers in SA but a risk as he does seem to direct the traffic well & Brums are without Toomoua, the Rebels won't be easy. Interesting watch
Harry Jones
Expert
Rotation is a must in the long season
Jameswm
Guest
Brumbies pack is at full strength bar Sio.
Jameswm
Guest
Classic episode. "The waves were angry that day my friend".
Sam
Guest
The Brumbies clearly aren't concerned benching their starting 9 against the Rebels despite the injuries and reshuffles. I'd fancy the Rebels this week. Between the cobbled 15 and the fact they don't see the Rebels as a threat says they could be caught napping.
Jake
Guest
ha ha and Kramer whacks the golf ball into the whales blowhole........."was it a titilest?"
jameswm
Guest
We were talking about marine biologists the other day. It reminded me of Geoegr saying "Why did you make me a marine biologist? I've always wanted to pretend to be an architect". Or something like that.
Squirrel
Roar Rookie
Rebels an easy victory
MJB
Guest
Good luck Dowsett! If the Brumbies don't win this won there will be some questions asked.
Cynical Play
Guest
I'm still trying to forget George's visit to the male physiotherapist - "Jerry. It moved!"
jameswm
Guest
Did you like my George Costanza coco the monkey comment on Nic White? Won't be funny unless you're a Seinfeld fan.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
The few times I have seen him play for the Brums he has looked the goods, still young and learning, but plenty of potential.
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
Stay classy.
jameswm
Guest
I hope there's a camera on White during the game - he might be even more demonstrative from the bench!