By Henry Jacobs

The UC Vikings have named a strong starting line-up featuring 12 Brumbies squad members ahead of its round two NRC clash against the NSW Country Eagles at Woollahra on Saturday.

Brad Harris’ side had a bye in round one and is eager to put the 2014 season behind it after finishing in a disappointing sixth position.

“We’re pretty happy with the group that we’ve assembled, they’ve worked really hard up until this point, there is an excitement around the group that we just want to get out there and play now,” Harris said.

“We’re pretty lucky that most of the Brumbies boys are fit and healthy and available, they’ve worked pretty hard over the last month, so there is an excitement around the group to take that onto the field on Saturday.”

Christian Lealiifano (Barbarians) and Robbie Coleman (injured) are the only two players missing from an imposing squad made up primarily of local talent.

Wallabies veteran Ben Alexander will play from the bench after featuring in the World XV’s 45-20 victory over Japan in Tokyo on August 15.

“When we sat down and chose the full squad we were hoping to get to this stage before the first game with a full deck of cards, it meant there was some tough selections when we sat down to decide on the starting team,” Harris said.

Brumbies number eight Ita Vaea links up with Super Rugby teammates Jarrad Butler and Jordan Smiler in the back row, after playing for the Eagles in 2014.

“It’s been a long time since we lost the [Super Rugby] semi-final, I’m very keen to get back out there and play my old team from last year,” Vaea said.

“The boys have prepared well so we just can’t wait, we had the first week off so everyone is ready to play this week.”

The Vikings face an Eagles side fresh from a hard fought 32-31 victory over the Greater Sydney Rams in round 1.

NSW Country averaged over 30 points a match last season and 2014 NRC top try scorer Andrew Kellaway has already opened his account, scoring in the first half last week, but will be without Brumbies halfback Michael Dowsett – who dislocated his shoulder at training on Monday.

With coach Brad Harris new to the position the Vikings are relishing the challenge the NRC poses.

“Personally for me it’s really exciting as well, it’s great to be out here in a semi-professional environment, having all the assistance that you have in terms of the medical team and the support staff team around you really allows yourself just to focus on the rugby detail,” Harris said.

“It’s also been a great learning curve, you have got to have your homework done, you have to dot your i’s and cross your t’s but again I’m looking forward to testing myself out personally over the next eight to ten weeks.”