Wallabies star David Pocock has been named to boost a buoyant Brumbies team for their Super Rugby clash with the Hurricanes.
Pocock missed the Brumbies’ stunning 54-17 demolition of the Chiefs in Canberra last Friday with concussion but has been cleared for the trip to Palmerston North.
He played just five minutes in the season-opening defeat to the Melbourne Rebels before leaving the field.
The ace flanker is one of four changes to the ACT franchise’s starting side to play the Hurricanes on Friday night, who also take a 1-1 record into the match.
Former Queensland Reds skipper James Slipper has been benched after starting his first two games with the Brumbies and replaced by Wallabies loosehead prop Scott Sio.
Another recruit Pete Samu gets his first opportunity, starting in the No.6 jersey alongside Pocock.
There has been movement in the lock department with Blake Enever coming in for outgoing former captain Sam Carter, who will leave to play in Ireland at the end of the season.
The Brumbies are attempting to keep a lid on the hype that followed their biggest first-half performance since they won 2004 final against the Crusaders.
Brumbies: Tom Banks, Andy Muirhead, Tevita Kuridrani, Irae Simone, Chance Peni, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Powell, Lachlan McCaffrey, David Pocock, Pete Samu, Blake Enever, Rory Arnold, Allan Alaalatoa, Folau Fainga’a, Scott Sio. Res: Josh Mann-Rea, James Slipper, Leslie Leauluaialii-Makin, Darcy Swain, Tom Cusack, Matt Lucas, Wharenui Hawera, Tom Wright.
Jock the sock
Guest
Great defensive player but no offence.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Looks like a RWC winning team to me. Once the AB's, England, Boks, and Ireland see that team announced I think they would all forfeit and we'll win by default.
CUW
Roar Rookie
except for one instant - neck rolls and high tackles have been not seriosly policed. if u watch gallagher matches - there are far more penalties for high tackles and neck rolls. add to that the new TMO guidelines - which some people seem to be not following. mind u - the only neck roll was called by a touchie , so....
CUW
Roar Rookie
@ Fionn i think ur coach wants to have some pace with the 3rd row as well given the backline Hurricanes have named. even the crusaders could not keep tabs on Ben Lam - and they are one of the best defenses in the world , not just super rugger.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Sharing is caring, Machooka! Love your avatar, btw! Is is a chook birthing a ball?
Machooka
Roar Guru
Thanks for sharing Red Rob...
DNZ
Guest
Positive bias to make up for years of neglect. It might happen but I am doubtful. The kiwi sides are smart and they'll move onto another opportunity to exploit instead of wasting time pursuing this if the whistle comes out.
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
Awesome. It's a breath of fresh air to read such a well-considered plan. I can only see Australian Rugby advancing at a rapid rate with that sort of intellect behind the scenes. You guys are obviously well connected, as I noticed Will Genia listed as a Tah, is there something we need to know.
Bobo the Clown
Guest
Thank you Bluffboy. We debated vigourously about including that Jed Holloway fellow but as he was either going to take Simmo Neddy or Big Willy`s spot we left him out. Re: Adam Coleman, he is part of our NMT5NTSW 15 " No more than 5 non Tahs starting Wallby 15 " selection Quota/Policy. It is similar to the " Gitaeu " rule whch Cheika made up on the runs as well. So with Genia and Poey those 3 had to be selected along with DHP. Never fear, their is still one " Non Tah " spot open for one lucky guy from one of the other 3 franchises as we only have 4 in the 15 as you can see. Re: Rona and Newsome.They are included in our PPQS "Project player Quota Squad " along with Ned Latu Fitzpatrick Phipps Dempsey and Tom Robertson so will be selected immediately if injury or just being plain terrible occurs to Haylett-Petty or the very old bloke AAC. Thanks Bobo Scottty and Schnozzles your Wallaby selection team.
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
Love that. Have you over heard MC The only thing better would be Holloway for Coleman Hanigan for Pocock Rona or Newsome for Haylett-Petty
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
Is that you Tom.....I tell for the tears welling up
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Or it maintains it when you have a group of 25-28 players who are regularly in the 23 so there's minimal drop off when you replace somebody due to injury.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Yep but I think Pocock will receive the benefit if the doubt more than any other player (which is clearly unfair to the others)
Marto
Guest
This comment has been removed for breaching The Roar's comments policy.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
ACT is the adult industry centre of Australia. Nothing surprises me in that regard ...
Bobo the Clown
Guest
After round two myself Scotty and Schnozzles have seen enough and have picked our Wallabies. 1. Tom Robertson (Waratahs) 2. Damien Fitzpatrick (Waratahs) 3. Sekope Kepu (Waratahs) 4. Adam Coleman (Rebels) 5. Rob Simmons (Waratahs) 6. Jack Dempsey (Waratahs) 7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 8. David Pocock (Brumbies) 9. Will Genia ((Waratahs 10. Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 11. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs) 12. Kurtley Beale (Waratahs) 13. Karmichael Hunt (Waratahs) 14. Dayne Haylett-Petty (Rebels) 15. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 16. TPN (Waratahs) 17. Scott Sio (Brumbies) 18. Alan Alaalatoa (Brumbies) 19. Will Skelton (Waratahs) 20. Ned Hanigan (Waratahs) 21. Nick Phipps (Waratahs) 22. Matt Toomua (Rebels) 23. Jack Maddocks (Rebels)
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
I presume you mean any high contact on any player.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
That will be a strength for the Brumbies all season. Irrespective of which of them start or finish, the Brums front row will be powerful for 80 minutes, particularly when the opposition front row reserves are injected into the game. I think in the back of that, the Brums may actually win some games in the last 10 minutes of the contest.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Reckon Refs will be right on anything close to attacking Poeys neck. I think he may get extra looking after, more than any other player. Referees and TMO's know THEY will be under close scrutiny and possible criticism if they fail to take action, even for minor infractions
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
I hope that chip on your shoulder doesn't get any bigger, it end up covering both eyes....