The Queensland Reds have given Harry Wilson something of a breather for this week’s clash with the Waratahs, choosing to start the young number eight on the bench.
Seru Uru, who has impressed while playing at lock so far this season, will take Wilson’s spot at the back of the scrum, while Ryan Smith will make his first-ever start for the side in the second row.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa also comes into the run-on team, as does Filipo Daugunu, and debutants Kalani Thomas and Sam Wallis have been named on the bench.
The winless Waratahs, meanwhile, will be without two of their top forwards for the Saturday-night encounter following injuries to Lachie Swinton and Jack Dempsey. The Wallabies duo have been ruled out of the match with ankle and foot complaints respectively.
Somewhat mitigating their losses are the returns of prop Angus Bell (injury), centre Izaia Perese (suspension) and number eight Will Harris (injury). Bell has been named on the bench, while Harris and Perese have been thrust straight back into the starting XV. Hugh Sinclair takes Swinton’s place at blindside flanker.
With Perese coming back into outside centre next to Lalakai Foketi, captain Alex Newsome has moved back to his preferred position on the wing, with Jack Maddocks moving to fullback, Mark Nawaqanitawase dropping to the bench and Tepai Moeroa out of the side. There’s a chance of a debut for Max Douglas, who’ll take his place on the bench.
In the round’s early game, the Brumbies have got some welcome news on the injury front with James Slipper cleared to line up in the front row against the Force. However, he’ll start on the tighthead side of the scrum instead of his preferred position at loosehead, with Harry Lloyd taking the number one jersey.
Jahrome Hughes replaces injured stand-in skipper Tom Cusack at openside flanker, and scrumhalf Nic White will captain the Brumbies for the third time in his career.
With plenty of injuries in the squad, Dan McKellar has named three potential debutants on the bench: props Sefo Kautai and Fred Kaihea, and back-rower Rory Scott.
The Force are also dealing with injuries of their own. Irish fullback Rob Kearney and Kiwi utility back Richard Kahui are both sidelined, replaced in the XV by Jack McGregor and Marcel Brache respectively.
English signing Jordan Olowofela has been included among the reserves for what will be his Force debut, and Jono Lance has also been named on the bench. The rest of the matchday squad remains unchanged from the one which pushed the Reds in Round 5.
Friday, 7:45pm (AEDT), GIO Stadium
Brumbies
(1-15): Harry Lloyd, Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Nic White (c), Noah Lolesio, Mack Hansen, Irae Simone, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Banks
Bench: Lachlan Lonergan, Fred Kauhea, Sefo Kautai, James Tucker, Rory Scott, Ryan Lonergan, Reesjan Pasitoa, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
Force
(1-15): Tom Robertson, Feleti Kaitu’u, Greg Holmes, Jeremy Thrush, Sitaleki Timani, Fergus Lee Warner, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander (c), Tomas Cubelli, Jake McIntrye, Marcel Brache, Henry Taefu, Tevita Kuridrani, Byron Ralston, Jack McGregor
Reserves: Jack Winchester, Angus Wagner, Santiago Medrano, Ryan McCauley, Tim Anstee, Ian Prior, Jono Lance, Jordan Olowofela
Saturday, 7:45pm (AEDT), Stadium Australia
Waratahs
(1-15): Harry Johnson-Holmes, David Porecki, Tetara Faulkner, Sam Wykes, Sam Caird, Hugh Sinclair, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Jack Grant, Will Harrison, James Ramm, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Alex Newsome (c), Jack Maddocks
Bench: Tom Horton, Angus Bell, Darcy Breen, Jeremy Williams, Max Douglas, Henry Robertson, Tane Edmed, Mark Nawaqanitawase
Reds
(1-15): Dane Zander, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Taniela Tupou, Ryan Smith, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Scott-Young, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor (c), Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell
Bench: Alex Mafi, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Harry Wilson, Sam Wallis, Kalani Thomas, Hamish Stewart, Bryce Hegarty
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
I've gone off Mark. I thought he was going to be a superstar but he's playing without confidence, can't read the game, and struggles to make a simple tackle. May need a full year in Shute Shield to win some confidence.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
As a Force fan, I'd love to have him back in OZ.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
He's been playing well too though, been one of the best. I think it's a big testament to him that he should be rested for an easier game in his career thus far,
James GC
Roar Rookie
If he could rediscover some of that form that we know he is capable of he is exactly what the Force need out wide punching holes in attack and suring up defence.
piru
Roar Rookie
It's very disappointing, I was expecting him to add a bit of firepower.
James GC
Roar Rookie
Yeah I don't know what to make of Kuridrani, he was the same last year not bending the line loosing the ball in contact and his strong point was tested in defence and he came up wanting. It could be time for him to seek greenier pastures in Japan.
piru
Roar Rookie
I don’t mean to be disrespectful but is Brache the best we’ve got or is it his sheer utility value? Brache to this point in the season has been a better option than Kuridrani - he at least runs towards his support and doesn't lose the ball every time he runs it.
Hazel Nutt
Roar Rookie
Nawaqanitawase has been driving me insane lately. So much talent and ability, clearly a natural fullback, but as soon as he reaches contact he slows or stops or hesitates in an attempt to buy himself decision making time. I want him to enter contact with a plan to take action or bust on through, even if he'll be solidly met. Instead he's invariably pushed back or swamped and the opposition slows the ball. His indecision is holding him back, whereas Maddocks doesn't have the tools but always enters the fray physically and at pace. Nawaqanitawase with that kind of determination would easily bed down the 15 jersey.
Hazel Nutt
Roar Rookie
Gotta say, though, this is about the best Tahs lineup I could have hoped for. The previous centres combo were a liability. Lets hope someone steps up on the organisational front. One thing I noticed over the past couple of games is that Grant's attempts to manage the game seems to be a little too much pressure for him at this point. I think perhaps he needs more support running the game from Harrison and perhaps Tizzano, so he can focus a little more on his core duties. Tough gig for him though, so I can't blame him, just an observation.
James GC
Roar Rookie
Kalani is a gun, with him and Wallis on the bench they will test the fringe ruck defence of the Tahs late in the game.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Probably agree about resting Harry. But the reality is that he's played 4 games (I think) since he had a 4 or 5 week break (over xmas), a bye a couple of weeks ago. Add to that, the lad is only 21 or so. He is one of my favoured players and he needs to be playing to gain further experience.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Hopefully the Force have read Nic B's article and when they are in the 5m zone use 2-3 men shove instead of a 1 out pick and go at the line. There are plenty of tries to be had for the Force in that area if they use their heads.
Greysy
Roar Rookie
Or it adds a very experienced player who's been in good form into their backline. Which is something they are desperately lacking in.
Brian Westlake
Roar Rookie
Please no. Nsw are recovering from the Tim rapp era. The last thing they need is "the next big thing" . Look to what they have and work with them. Bringing F-S in does nothing except waste money.
Brian Westlake
Roar Rookie
You forgot to say about stewarts pace as well. The one good thing is he is used to a horrible passing game from the 9. Kalani Thomas hopefully grabs the chance off the bench and shows that he is the best 9 in qld.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
Hear hear. Well said.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Just a rest I think, he's played a lot of rugby last 2years
Greysy
Roar Rookie
He got a contract as a medical replacement for Oyonnax in the French second division. Only for the current season so far. Hopefully the Tahs or the Force can bring him back for next season.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
The backs aren't as good as the brumbies, that's for sure, but if they can hold their own, front up well in D maninly, and let the forwards develop a platform for them then they are a chance - that said they've been a chance in veery game they've played!
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Yeah I agree twas, he hasn't set the world on for yet that's for sure. But he does have some great potential and I would prefer him to play now he's back over guys who are underperforming when they need to be leading from the front.