ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has handed Declan Meredith the starting flyhalf role for Saturday’s clash with the Western Force in Perth.
The move will see Wallabies incumbent Tane Edmed make his club debut via the bench, one of several new faces.
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Edmed made the move south from the NSW Waratahs, having finished the year starting two of the four Spring Tour matches for Australia in Europe.
However, Larkham believes Meredith has earned the opportunity to start against the Force, building off his four starts from last year.
This included guiding the Brumbies to victory against the Blues at Eden Park, breaking a drought that spanned over a decade.
“Tane’s improving each week as his understanding grows around how we want to play — particularly in set-piece attack, multiphase attack, and multiphase defence,” Larkham said.
“He’s been settling into the detail of the role and developing those connections with his new teammates, and that connection will be vital as the season begins.
“Declan’s been in the system for four years, had a strong year last season, and has had a solid pre-season. He has earned his playing time, and the competition and depth the pair bring is a significant positive for the squad moving into the season.”
Larkham has also named Kadin Pritchard to start at outside centre, filling the void left by John Eales Medalist Len Ikitau.
The former Australia U20s midfielder, who debuted last year, will partner David Feliuai, while Andy Muirhead shifts to fullback with no Tom Wright (knee).
Fellow Australia U20s representatives Tevita Alatini and Toby Macpherson are in line for their Super Rugby Pacific debuts via the bench.
“Round 1 in Perth is always a tough assignment. The Force are a physical side, they’ll be up for it at home, and they’ve got threats right across the park,” Larkham added.
“It’s exciting to see a couple of new Brumbies earn their opportunity in Round 1. Kadin has had an outstanding pre-season and really demanded selection with his performances in the trials.”
“We’re also looking forward to seeing Tevita and Toby get their first taste of Super Rugby. They’ve both worked hard, they’ve fitted in quickly, and they deserve the chance.”
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Rhys van Nek, Lachie Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead
Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Toby Macpherson, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Hudson Creighton
