A trio of capped Wallabies will be hungry to reclaim their spots in their respective Super Rugby Pacific sides as the NSW Waratahs A travel down to Canberra to face the ACT Brumbies Runners.
Waratahs duo Andrew Kellaway, Folau Fainga’a and Brumbies hooker Lachlan Lonergan have all been named for the hit-out on Saturday, with Fainga'a captaining the Waratahs.
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Both Kellaway and Fainga’a started for the NSW side in last week’s heavy defeat to the Hurricanes.
The 49-capped Wallaby Kellaway is joined in the backline by Zach Fittler, who will get his chance to stake his claim for a Waratahs debut as he fills in at outside centre.
Australia U20s prospects Cooper Watters and Leo Jacques have been named on the wings, with George Poolman partnering Fittler in the centres.
Meanwhile Fainga’a joins a pack that includes new recruit Angus Scott-Young in his first game in sky blue.
Scott-Young made the move from Northampton, with his pre-season disrupted after a fight with teammate Miles Amatosero, who reportedly fractured his eye socket.
“We’ve named a healthy blend of both experienced Super Rugby campaigners, together with some exciting new talent coming through the Waratahs pathways,” coach Zak Beer said. “It was great to see Sid Harvey make his debut last week off the back of a strong performance for our Waratahs A's side the week prior, and that's what this system should be about.
“Saturday's a great opportunity for the players to showcase their skills once again, against a quality opposition and push for selection in what is a strong Waratahs squad.
“We’d love to see any Waratahs supporters down in Canberra come out to show their support and get behind the guys.
For the Brumbies, Lonergan makes his long-awaited return from a knee injury suffered against the British & Irish Lions, with the ACL injury not dampening the experience for the hooker.
“I don't really think about the injury when I think about the game, it was just a good experience,” he told Rugby.com.au.
“When I think about it, it was a sick game. It's what you obviously dreamed of doing when you were growing up so it was a good experience, and it sucks that happened, but that's part of it.”
Recent Sevens debutant Jarrah McLeod lines up on the wing, with former Australia U20s fullback Shane Wilcox and Nate Carroll rounding out the back three.
The last time these two sides clashed, a severe electrical storm in Sydney cut the game short, leaving the Waratahs with a 29-12 advantage.
ACT Brumbies Runners Starting XV:
- Finn Baxter
- Lachlan Lonergan
- Reon Lowery
- Darcy Fogarty
- Harvey Cordukes
- Eli Langi
- Chris Mickelson
- Judah Saumaisue
- Lachie Smith
- Joe Dillon
- Jarrah McLeod
- Malakye Enasio
- Koko Salim
- Shane Wilcox
- Nate Carroll
Finishers: Lipina Ata, Tauati Chan-Tung, Te Huia Kutia, Jack Gordon, Kali Vaipulu, Cooper Eagle, Jack Harley, Sam Watson, Chace Oates, Dylan Bretton, Louis Bartley-Saena.
NSW Waratahs A Starting XV:
- Jack Barrett
- Folau Faingaa (c)
- Apolosi Ranawai
- Ben Grant
- Joe Manglesdorf
- Lachlan Hooper
- Jamie Adamson
- Angus Scott-Young
- Michael McDonald
- Jack Bowen
- Cooper Watters
- George Poolman
- Zach Fittler
- Leo Jaques
- Andrew Kellaway
Replacements:
16. Tyler Maybery
17. Lotu Vunipola
18. Brady Dawson
19. Tom Girle
20. Isaac Fonua
21. Marshall le Maitre
22. Hwi Sharples
23. Jonty Fowler
24. Liam Grover
25. Toby Brial
