Pocock to lead the Brumbies against the Reds

Feb 12 • General News, Super Rugby • 1536 Views • Comments Off on Pocock to lead the Brumbies against the Reds

Ita Vaea will feature for the Brumbies for the first time since 2012.
Three Super Rugby debutants have been named in the Brumbies 23-man squad which will take on the Reds on Friday night in Canberra.

Rory Arnold (lock), James Dargaville (wing, bench) and Lausii Taliauli (outside backs, bench) have all registered selections. The trio will join three other big names returning from injury, with David Pocock set to Captain the side while Club Captain Stephen Moore and Ita Vaea will also feature on the bench.

Pocock and Moore’s high-profile injury lay-offs due to knee reconstructions are over, while Vaea’s two-year battle with a heart condition has also been put to bed.

“Firstly with our Captain David Pocock, we’re pleased to see him back on the field after battling succesive knee injuries. I’m looking forward to his performance tomorrow,” Head Coach Stephen Larkham said.

“We’ve got three players debutising tonight, starting with our 2 metre and 8cm lock, Rory Arnold, who becomes the tallest player in Super Rugby history. On the bench Lausii Taliauli and James Dargavilel have also impressed me. James comes from Sydney Uni and Lausii from the Aussie Sevens.

“Also on the bench is our Club Captain, Stephen Moore, who is going to feature for us in the second half. He’ll definitely get 20 or 30 minutes in the second half.

“One of the best stories coming out of this team is the return of It Vaea. He was pretty much retired this time two years ago, but he’s pushed through and everyone at the Brumbies is excited to see him back.”

Of the last eight times these teams have faced each other the home side has only won on two occasions – the Reds in 2012 and the Brumbies in 2013. Last year’s season opener went to the Reds and the Brumbies will be fighting hard to get their year off to a better start.

Brumbies v Reds
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 7.40pm
Referee: Angus Gardner

Brumbies
1. Scott Sio
2. Josh Mann-Rea
3. Ben Alexander
4. Rory Arnold
5. Sam Carter
6. Scott Fardy
7. David Pocock (c)
8. Jarrad Butler
9. Nic White (vc)
10. Matt Toomua
11. Joe Tomane
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Henry Speight
15. Robbie Coleman

Replacements
16. Stephen Moore
17. JP Smith
18. Ruan Smith
19. Jordan Smiler
20. Ita Vaea
21. Michael Dowsett
22. James Dargaville
23. Lausii Taliauli

Courtesy of Brumbies Media Unit