Auelua back for Brumbies

Editor

The Brumbies have named Fotu Auelua at blindside flank for their hugely-anticipated showdown with the Sharks on Saturday.

The Brumbies have named wrecking ball Fotu Auelua at blindside flank for their hugely-anticipated clash with the Sharks at GIO Stadium on Saturday.

Auelua is the sole change to the XV that lost to the Crusaders last week, with Jordan Smiler the man moving to the bench as Jack Whetton drops out.

“Fotu had a good game for Wests (a club side) last week,” revealed coach Laurie Fisher.

“He's been itching to get back on the park for the last month or so, so it's great to be able to give him a start.

“He brings aggression and physicality to our side, which will be valuable against a big, South African forward pack like the Sharks'.

Fisher added: “The Sharks are leading the competition and have threats right across the park, so an improved performance from last week is vital if we are going to walk away with points.”

Brumbies: 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Joe Tomane, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Robbie Coleman, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Nic White, 8 Ben Mowen (c), 7 Jarrad Butler, 6 Fotu Auelua, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Scott Fardy, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Josh Mann-Rea, 17 Ruan Smith, 18 Ruaidhri Murphy, 19 Jordan Smiler, 20 Tom McVerry, 21 Michael Dowsett, 22 Andrew Smith, 23 Pat McCabe.

Date: Saturday, May 10
Kick-off: 19:40 (10:40 BST, 09:40 GMT)
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Andrew Lees (Australia), James Leckie (Australia)
Television match official: George Ayoub (Australia)