Mack Hansen earns Super Rugby starting debut for Brumbies' opening derby

Homegrown talent Mack Hansen has been named at fullback for his first Brumbies start by coach Dan McKellar for the side’s match against the Melbourne Rebels at GIO Stadium on Saturday night.

The Daramalan College product and Gungahlin Eagle made his Super Rugby debut last year against the NSW Waratahs and will wear the 15 jersey in the side’s first Super Rugby AU matchday 23.

Skipper Allan Alaalatoa will join Folau Fainga’a and James Slipper in an all-Wallabies front row with Darcy Swain and Murray Douglas making up the tight five.

Vice-captain Tom Cusack has been recalled at openside flanker and will be joined by Rob Valetini and Pete Samu in the backrow.

Joe Powell and Noah Lolesio will get a chance to reignite their combination in the halves, as will Irae Simone and Tevita Kuridrani in the midfield.

The @WesternForce are doing everything they can to make sure they're on level-footing with their Australian rivals. #SuperRugbyAUhttps://t.co/4gwTzlT9vk

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 2, 2020

The electric Tom Wright and ever-reliable Andy Muirhead have been named on the wings with Hansen completing the back three.

After starting the Brumbies last three games pre-shutdown, Connal McInerney will be the replacement hooker alongside Scott Sio and Tom Ross as the front row reinforcements.

Lachlan McCaffrey and Will Miller are the other forward replacements, while livewire halfback Issak Fines is in line for his Super Rugby debut off the pine.

Bayley Kuenzle and Len Ikitau will cover the other backline positions and round out the matchday 23.

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said: “We couldn’t be happier to see Mack earn his first start for the team.”

“He’s a local product who’s come through our system and he’s been outstanding at training, not just since we’ve returned to HQ, but all season.

“It’s also a really exciting opportunity for Issak to be making his debut on Saturday night. He’s been part of our program on a couple of occasions, he’s always impressive at training and he’s chomping at the bit to get out there and make an impact.

“The team is really excited to get back out on the field on Saturday night and it’s going to be great to have professional rugby back in Australia.”

Brumbies: Mack Hansen, Andy Muirhead, Tevita Kuridrani, Irae Simone, Tom Wright, Noah Lolesio, Joe Powell, Pete Samu, Tom Cusack, Rob Valetini, Murray Douglas, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper. Reserves: Connal McInerney, Scott Sio, Tom Ross, Lachlan McCaffrey, Will Miller, Issak Fines, Bayley Kuenzle, Len Ikitau.

– Brumbies Rugby