Brumbies halfback Tomas Cubelli will be rested from the Super Rugby clash with the Sunwolves, handing Michael Dowsett his first start of the season.
Coach Stephen Larkham is expecting Cubelli to be named in Argentina’s national team before Tests against France and Italy in coming weeks.
Dowsett was given the nod ahead of Joe Powell, who was on Thursday earned surprise selection the the Wallabies’ 39-man training squad for June’s series against England.
Powell will come off the bench on Saturday night for the fifth time in 2016, alongside rookie Jordan Jackson-Hope, who made his debut in the Brumbies’ win over the Melbourne Rebels a fortnight ago.
Ruan Smith has replaced Wallaby Ben Alexander at tighthead prop in the only change to the forwards after an impressive performance against the Rebels.
Robbie Coleman will make his return from a hamstring injury at inside centre, pushing James Dargaville back to the wing.
Saturday’s match at GIO Stadium is the first between the Brumbies and Sunwolves, but the last before the competition breaks for the June international window.
Brumbies: Aidan Toua, Nigel Ah Wong, Tevita Kuridrani, Robbie Coleman, James Dargaville, Christian Lealiifano (capt), Michael Dowsett, Jarrad Butler, David Pocock, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter, Rory Arnold, Ruan Smith, Stephen Moore (capt), Scott Sio. Res: Josh Mann-Rea, Allan Alaalatoa, Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, Tom Staniforth, Jordan Smiler, Joe Powell, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Lausii Taliauli.
Brett McKay
Expert
I reckon Jez, Powell will play most of the second half anyway. Interestingly, Larkham said today that while he certainly pushed Powell's barrow in Wallabies discussions, he said he didn't actually know which way Cheika had gone until getting the team email himself..
Graymatter
Guest
Powell should be starting. Dowsett will be overwhelmed. He is like a deer in the spotlight. He has no
Shane D
Roar Rookie
He might be a bench specialist!
jeznez
Roar Guru
Larkham is the Wallaby backs coach so presumably had input into Powell being included in the 39, interesting that he keeps a bench spot here.
Markus
Guest
I assume he will get more time in the second half, but still disappointing it is not Powell starting. He already has one of the best passes out of Australian scrumhalves, and a full game would be a real opportunity to test his decision making at this level. Dowsett's passing is not at the same level. His running game is stronger but that is probably the only area I think he is above Powell.
Omsky
Roar Rookie
Powell should be starting, Dowsett is too slow behind the breakdown and his pass is average at best
Mattty
Guest
Big opportunity for Powell, and a lot of pressure on Dowsett -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.