Brumbies prop James Slipper is set to miss the next few rounds of Super Rugby AU after a training mishap wrecked his hopes of taking on Melbourne in Canberra on Saturday night.
The unbeaten Brumbies have replaced one Wallaby with another, with Scott Sio making his first appearance of the year in the round three clash.
Slipper, 31, was seen wearing a knee brace on Wednesday and is undergoing scans, according to coach Dan McKellar.
“Unfortunately a bit of friendly fire,” McKellar said on Wednesday.
“We trained really well as a group and I’ve got a bit of a sour taste in my mouth with Slips (Slipper) because he’s been really good.
“Fortunately we’ve got excellent depth in that position and fingers crossed it’s not going to be long term – a couple of weeks and we will see where he’s at but he’s off for scans.”
Sio played 60 minutes with the Brumby Runners last week, while centre Solomone Kata was included on the bench after a similar outing with the seconds.
The Rebels, who could have upset Queensland with a last-ditch Matt Toomua penalty kick after full-time, have kept their line-up mostly intact, with blindside flanker Josh Kemeny and lock Ross Haylett-Petty new faces.
Skipper Dane Haylett-Petty remains sidelined with concussion-related symptoms.
The clash will be the first for halfback Joe Powell against his old club, where he earnt 73 caps before joining the Rebels this year.
Brumbies big man Caderyn Neville is another facing a former side, with early performances by the lock raising chat about Test selection this year.
McKellar felt he was on track for a call-up.
“It’s two games into the season but he’s been excellent,” the coach said.
“He’s been at the Reds and Rebels and it’s pleasing to see him come here and get better and reach his potential.
“I don’t think he’s all the way there yet, he’s someone who can play international level and he’s heading in the right direction there.”
The winless Waratahs have made three personnel changes to their starting side for their first home game of the season, against Western Force, at Bankwest Stadium on Friday night.
Hooker Dave Porecki replaces Tom Horton, while lock Hugh Sinclair comes in for Jack Whetton.
Wallaby Angus Bell has been ruled out with an ankle injury with Tetera Faulkner starting at loosehead.
Coach Rob Penney has swapped fullback Jack Maddocks and winger Mark Nawaqanitawase in a surprise move.
Argentina star Tomas Cubelli will start at halfback ahead of Force skipper Ian Prior, and will partner Jake McIntyre in the halves with Jono Lance dropped.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
As long as there are quarantine requirements upon entry to Australia that’s almost zero chance
Oblonsky’s Other Pun
Guest
I think Arnold will be picked.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Also missing a good chunk of 2020 due to injury counted against him.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
And he was in Super Rugby. Neville was good but he only played about half of Super Rugby AU or less.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Yes, like Jake starting. Lance is OK, just OK, and we know what he brings to a game. Jake seems to have a greater upside.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Phillip was certainly the best lock for the Wallabies anyway !
Markus
Roar Rookie
Neville's age counts against him as a Test debutant (though there is a big difference in debuts between a 20 year old rookie and a veteran with a decade of professional experience), but with the form he has been showing and with Simmons now gone too, he absolutely should be picked. Phillip, LSL, Neville and Hosea is a good balance.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Nah. Matt Philip was the best lock in 2020.
Obes
Guest
" Brumbies big man Caderyn Neville is another facing a former side, with early performances by the lock raising chat about Test selection this year." Cadern Neville will be the first lock picked in 2021.He was the best lock in 2020. I don't know what games Rennie was watching.Probably only Tah games.
I agree Ray...I didnt see him live up to the hype as a winger and have no idea if he has played FB or not but to me the coach is trying something different so thats a positive...Whether it works is another thing I guess but at least he's trying....
Ray
Roar Rookie
Mark Nawaqanitawase at fullback? He looks over rated as a winger, for the moment. Does he any form as a fullback?
Comrade Bear
Roar Rookie
I thought Jake McIntyre ran the game really well when he came on week 1. Looking forward to this game - mostly to see how’s the Tahs respond... Just as an aside - I’m liking Stan’s coverage also.