The Brumbies have made two enforced changes to their line-up for Saturday night's sudden-death Super Rugby playoff against the Chiefs in Canberra with retirement-bound wing Clyde Rathbone and fellow South African JP Smith both unavailable through injury.
Rathbone, who strained a hamstring in last weekend's victory over the Western Force, has been replaced on the left wing by Robbie Coleman, who makes his first appearance since the Brumbies' loss to the Bulls in Pretoria on May 24.
He has been plagued by a speed-depleting quad injury since the Brumbies' South African tour but passed a fitness test to gain promotion ahead of Joe Tomane.
The Brumbies, who were beaten 27-20 by the Chiefs in last season's final in Hamilton, also had to make a change to their front row reserves when Smith succumbed to a knee injury. He has been replaced by debutant Allan Alaalatoa.
Tomane, a nine-cap Wallaby, again adds impact from the bench in what is his second game back from an ankle injury.
His recovery is timely with the 24-year-old slated to boost a back three already comprising international Jesse Mogg and Wallaby-in-waiting Henry Speight in the second half at GIO Stadium.
Fijian-born Speight, who had has his Wallabies call-up delayed because he played for Waikato in the 2011 national provincial competition, is eligible for Australia on residency grounds during the Rugby Championship in September. He has only scored two tries this season but will be expecting more opportunities against some of his former teammates.
"The attack has taken a turn for the best, especially last weekend, and it couldn't have come at a better time," said Speight, reflecting on the seven-try, 47-25 thumping of the Force last Saturday.
"Nic White (halfback) is having the best season he's had, Matt Toomua's played out of his skin. But what doesn't get mentioned or noticed is the work Christian (Leali'ifano) and Tevita (Kuridrani) do.
"They're the big reason why Matt can play his own game and free Nic up is because they lay the foundation and the confidence comes from there. It's really exciting times."
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham also singled out the Wallaby midfielders, praising their abrasive approach.
"We need to put the one percenters together so guys like Henry and the back line get space, and that's because Christian and Tevita punch holes in brick walls," Larkham said.
"I think the whole team clicked in attack (against the Force), but maybe throughout the year we haven't had the recognition if we're not scoring tries."
Brumbies: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Leali'ifano, Robbie Coleman, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ben Mowen (captain), Jarrad Butler, Scott Fardy, Leon Power, Sam Carter, Ben Alexander, Josh Mann-Rea, Scott Sio. Reserves: Ruaidhri Murphy, Ruan Smith, Allan Alaalatoa, Fotu Auelua, Tom McVerry, Michael Dowsett, Joe Tomane, Pat McCabe.
- Stuff
