Mann-Rea to hit 50 for Brumbies

Brumbies hooker Josh Mann-Rea will make his 50th appearance for the Super Rugby franchise when the Blues visit GIO Stadium on Sunday.

Mann-Rea made his debut for the Brumbies in 2013 and has gone on to become one of the squad’s most experienced and beloved players, helping the side to four straight finals appearances during his tenure in Canberra.

Tom Banks will make his first start of the season at full-back after being recalled to the starting XV. Banks, who made his debut for the club against the Reds on the left wing, reverts to the full-back position in place of Aidan Toua, in one of a trio of changes to the starting team.

With prop Scott Sio out injured, Nic Mayhew will begin against his former club at loosehead alongside Wallaby international Allan Alaalatoa and Mann-Rea. Lolo Fakaosilea returns to the team at number eight in place of Jarrad Butler who is on the bench.

Toua will also be amongst the replacements, along with Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin included in a matchday squad for the first time since the Round 4 success away to the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium, Sydney.

Brumbies: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Andrew Smith, 11 James Dargaville, 10 Wharenui Hawera, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Lolo Fakaosilea, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Sam Carter (c), 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Josh Mann-Rea, 1 Nic Mayhew
Replacements: 16 Robbie Abel, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, 19 Blake Enever, 20 Jarrad Butler, 21 De Wet Roos, 22 Jordan Jackson-Hope, 23 Aidan Toua

Date: Sunday, April 30
Venue: GIO Stadium
Kick-off: 16:05 local (06:05 GMT)
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Ed Martin (Australia), James Leckie (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)