Carter returns to lead Brumbies

Cape Town - The Brumbies have made three changes to the starting XV that defeated the Reds last week as they prepare for the challenge of the Rebels in Melbourne on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 11:45 (SA time).

Sam Carter returns to skipper the side, renewing his second row partnership with Wallabies international team-mate Rory Arnold, while there are starts for centre Andrew Smith and number eight Jarrad Butler in place of the injured Kyle Godwin and Jordan Smiler, respectively.

Head coach Stephen Larkham reverts to a 6-2 split on the bench which sees Jordan Jackson-Hope named as cover for the backs alongside a possible first Brumbies cap for former Australian Sevens star and ACT local Tom Cusack.

Blake Enever is included among the forward replacements in what is a strong bench as the Brumbies aim to extend their winning streak against Australian Conference opposition to 11 matches.

The hand injury suffered by Godwin in the 43-10 hammering of the Reds means a first start of the season for Smith in the inside-centre role, linking up with Tevita Kuridrani.

Tom Banks retains his position on the left wing with Henry Speight and last week’s man of the match Aidan Toua completing the back three.

Teams:

Rebels

TBA

Brumbies

15 Aidan Toua, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Andrew Smith, 11 Tom Banks, 10 Wharenui Hawera, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Jarrad Butler, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Sam Carter (captain), 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Robbie Abel, 1 Scott Sio

Substitutes: 16 Saia Fainga’a, 17 Nic Mayhew, 18 Ben Alexander, 19 Blake Enever, 20 Tom Staniforth, 21 Tom Cusack, 22 De Wet Roos, 23 Jordan Jackson-Hope