Brumbies change four for Super Rugby AU Final

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made four changes to the starting XV for Saturday's Super Rugby AU Grand Final against the Queensland Reds.

The most capped member of the squad, Scott Sio replaces the injured James Slipper at loosehead prop with Canberra product Lachlan Lonergan earning his first start for the cub at hooker. Skipper Allan Alaalatoa completes the front row at tighthead prop.

A familiar second row sees Cadeyrn Neville and Darcy Swain named as the two locks with Nick Frost set to start at number six alongside Brumbies Academy graduate Rory Scott and the recently re-signed Rob Valetini in the backrow.

An unchanged backline will line-up at Suncorp Stadium with vice-captain Nic White and playmaker Noah Lolesio starting as the halves pairing.

Outside them will be the reliable Irae Simone and the dynamic Len Ikitau who have started all but one match together in the midfield this season.

The back three again consists of plenty of pace and finishing ability, Tom Wright and Andy Muirhead staring on the wings with Wallabies fullback Tom Banks wearing the number 15 jersey.

Following strong performances in the Callida Consulting John I Dent Cup, Harry Lloyd is named as the replacement loosehead alongside Folau Fainga'a and Tom Ross as the reserve front row.

Fresh from an impressive Super Rugby debut last week, Luke Reimer will again provide an impact around the field as loose forward cover with squad replacement player Henry Stowers in line to make a remarkable Brumbies debut and add his experience from the pine.

After featuring in all nine games so far this year, Ryan Lonergan will earn another cap as the reserve scrumhalf, playing alongside on his brother in a Super Rugby Grand Final.

19-year-old Reesjan Pasitoa has been named for his first Grand Final appearance with the versatile and skilful Mack Hansen rounding out the match squad.

Plus500 Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said: "To most people Frosty would be considered a lock but we've always seen him as someone who can develop into a six. He's tall but he's a real athlete and quick so he can do some damage out there."

"I was amazed Henry wasn't signed by anyone across the globe, I thought he was outstanding last year for the Force and he's worked hard to get himself in Super Rugby shape over the last few weeks and he'll be good for us.

"If you can't get motivated for Saturday night you're in the wrong game, we know Queensland are the favourites, and deservedly so. We've just got to get our game right and go up there to enjoy what's a really special occasion."

BRUMBIES GRAND FINAL TEAM
1. Scott Sio
2. Lachlan Lonergan
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)
4. Darcy Swain
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Nick Frost
7. Rory Scott
8. Rob Valetini
9. Nic White
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Tom Wright
12. Irae Simone
13. Len Ikitau
14. Andy Muirhead
15. Tom Banks

REPLACEMENTS
16. Folau Fainga'a
17. Harry Lloyd
18. Tom Ross
19. Henry Stowers*
20. Luke Reimer
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Reesjan Pasitoa
23. Mack Hansen
*Denotes potential Plus500 Brumbies debut