Henry Speight makes his 50th Super Rugby appearance for the Brumbies
in Saturday night’s hotly anticipated clash against the Waratahs

Brumbies Media Release –

The Brumbies have named an unchanged starting XV to take on the Waratahs this Saturday night at GIO Stadium in what shapes as the club’s toughest assignment of 2014.

On the bench Michael Dowsett replaces Conrad Hoffmann as back up to Nic White at scrumhalf, in an otherwise unchanged 23-man squad from last week’s victory in Wellington.

An explosive scrumhalf with a quality pass and good running game, Dowsett is in line to make his UC Brumbies and Super Rugby debut against the club’s biggest rivals on Saturday night.

The match also holds special significance for Henry Speight who makes his 50th Brumbies and Super Rugby appearance.

Joining the club in 2011 from Waikato, Speight immediately threw himself onto the main stage and has not disappointed since, topping the try scoring list in Australia in 2012 and 2013.

“There’s a lot at stake, both teams need a win here against an Australian rival,” Director of Rugby Laurie Fisher said.

“We’ve picked ourselves up after a disappointing loss first up and we’ve played some good rugby over the last two weeks.

“To win on Saturday night we are going to need an 80 minute effort. They are a side with a lot of forward power who can supply plenty of opportunities for their backs. It’s important for us to have our own plan and detail right so we are prepared to counter that and win the game.”

Saturday’s match will be the 23rd time the Brumbies have faced off against the Waratahs, with NSW holding an advantage over the Canberra-based side 12 wins to 10 with no draws.

The Waratahs have not won at GIO Stadium since 2011 and the last time the two teams met in Canberra the Brumbies walked away 35-6 winners.

Sat 15 March, Brumbies v Waratahs, GIO Stadium, Canberra, Referee: Jaco Peyper, Kick-off: 7.40pm

Brumbies: 1. Scott Sio; 2. Stephen Moore; 3. Ben Alexander; 4. Leon Power; 5. Sam Carter; 6. Scott Fardy; 7. Jarrad Butler; 8. Ben Mowen (c); 9. Nic White; 10. Matt Toomua; 11. Robbie Coleman; 12. Pat McCabe; 13. Tevita Kuridrani; 14. Henry Speight; 15. Jesse Mogg

Replacements: 16. Josh Mann-Rea; 17. Ruan Smith; 18. Jean-Pierre Smith; 19. Jordan Smiler; 20. Locky McCaffrey; 22. Andrew Smith; 21. Michael Dowsett; 23. Lionel Cronje