Speight hits 50 for Brumbies

Editor

The Brumbies have named an unchanged starting XV for Saturday's Super Rugby derby against the Waratahs in Canberra.

The Brumbies have named an unchanged starting XV for Saturday's Super Rugby derby against the Waratahs in Canberra.

On the bench Michael Dowsett replaces Conrad Hoffmann as back up to Nic White at scrum-half, in an otherwise unchanged 23-man squad from last week's victory in Wellington.

An explosive scrum-half with a quality pass and good running game, Dowsett is in line to make his Brumbies and Super Rugby debut against the club's biggest rivals on Saturday.

The match also holds special significance for Henry Speight who makes his 50th Brumbies and Super Rugby appearance.

Joining the club in 2011 from Waikato, Speight immediately threw himself onto the main stage and has not disappointed since, topping the try scoring list in Australia in 2012 and 2013.

“There's a lot at stake, both teams need a win here against an Australian rival,” said Director of Rugby Laurie Fisher.

“We've picked ourselves up after a disappointing loss first up and we've played some good rugby over the last two weeks.

“To win on Saturday night we are going to need an 80 minute effort. They are a side with a lot of forward power who can supply plenty of opportunities for their backs. It's important for us to have our own plan and detail right so we are prepared to counter that and win the game.”

Saturday's match will be the 23rd time the Brumbies have faced off against the Waratahs, with NSW holding an advantage over the Canberra-based side 12 wins to 10 with no draws.

The Waratahs have not won at GIO Stadium since 2011 and the last time the two teams met in Canberra the Brumbies walked away 35-6 winners.

Brumbies: 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Robbie Coleman, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Nic White, 8 Ben Mowen (c), 7 Jarrad Butler, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Leon Power, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Josh Mann-Rea, 17 Ruan Smith, 18 Jean-Pierre Smith, 19 Jordan Smiler, 20 Locky McCaffrey, 21 Andrew Smith, 22 Michael Dowsett, 23 Lionel Cronje.

Date: Saturday, 15 March
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 19.40 local (08.40 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper