Brumbies lose Wallabies centurion for Rebels clash while Western Force bench their captain in favour of Pumas halfback

Brumbies prop James Slipper is set to miss the next few rounds of Super Rugby AU after a training mishap wrecked his hopes of taking on Melbourne in Canberra on Saturday night.

The unbeaten Brumbies have replaced one Wallaby with another, with Scott Sio making his first appearance of the year in the round three clash.

Slipper, 31, was seen wearing a knee brace on Wednesday and is undergoing scans, according to coach Dan McKellar.

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar and prop Scott Sio – pre-match Rebels

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar and prop Scott Sio – pre-match Rebels

“Unfortunately a bit of friendly fire,” McKellar said on Wednesday.

“We trained really well as a group and I’ve got a bit of a sour taste in my mouth with Slips (Slipper) because he’s been really good.

“Fortunately we’ve got excellent depth in that position and fingers crossed it’s not going to be long term – a couple of weeks and we will see where he’s at but he’s off for scans.”

Sio played 60 minutes with the Brumby Runners last week, while centre Solomone Kata was included on the bench after a similar outing with the seconds.

The Rebels, who could have upset Queensland with a last-ditch Matt To’omua penalty kick after full-time, have kept their line-up mostly intact, with blindside flanker Josh Kemeny and lock Ross Haylett-Petty new faces.

Skipper Dane Haylett-Petty remains sidelined with concussion-related symptoms.

The clash will be the first for halfback Joe Powell against his old club, where he earnt 73 caps before joining the Rebels this year.

Brumbies big man Caderyn Neville is another facing a former side, with early performances by the lock raising chat about test selection this year.

Wallabies captain Michael Hooper and ex-All Blacks skipper Kieran Read both want to see Japan play more international tests.https://t.co/aqjLhYqBfF

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 3, 2021

McKellar felt he was on track for a call-up.

“It’s two games into the season but he’s been excellent,” the coach said.

“He’s been at the Reds and Rebels and it’s pleasing to see him come here and get better and reach his potential.

“I don’t think he’s all the way there yet, he’s someone who can play international level and he’s heading in the right direction there.”

The winless Waratahs have made three personnel changes to their starting side for their first home game of the season, against Western Force, at Bankwest Stadium on Friday night.

Hooker Dave Porecki replaces Tom Horton, while lock Hugh Sinclair comes in for Jack Whetton.

Wallaby Angus Bell has been ruled out with an ankle injury with Tetera Faulkner starting at loosehead.

Coach Rob Penney has swapped fullback Jack Maddocks and winger Mark Nawaqanitawase in a surprise move.

Argentina star Tomas Cubelli will start at halfback ahead of Force skipper Ian Prior, and will partner Jake McIntyre in the halves with Jono Lance dropped.

– Melissa Woods