Leonard, Petersen return for Force clash at Viking Park

Michaela Leonard and Gabby Petersen will return to Brumbies colours this Sunday at 2pm against the Western Force at Viking Park, the pair in the teams finishing group for the Buildcorp Super W round five clash.
 
Lock Leonard spent the first half of the Super W season with Matutu in Super Rugby Aupiki, the Wallaroo gaining valuable experience in New Zealand.
 
Petersen meanwhile has recovered from a knee injury which ruled the outside back out of the 2021 season, the Tuggeranong Vikings flyer looking to push for a place in the Wallaroos Rugby World Cup group later this year.
 
Up front, Niki Paterson will make her first start for the Brumbies, the Royals prop running on at loosehead beside Harriet Elleman at hooker and clubmate Louise Burrows at tighthead.
 
The lock pairing of Ash Fernandez and Shellie Milward are retained, with Talei Qalo Wilson returning to the starting group at openside flanker alongside Grace Kemp at blindside and captain Rebecca Smyth at number eight.
 
Halfback Jay Huriwai has impressed in her first season with the Brumbies and starts again with Wallaroos legend Ash Hewson in the halves.
 
Siokapesi Palu and Mana Furuta have started every game in the centres for the Brumbies this season, Japanese international Furuta one of the standouts in 2022.
 
Biola Dawa, Jemima McCalman and Ella Ryan complete the Brumbies starting selection.
 
Tania Naden will be the finishing hooker, with Onëata Schwalger and Makoto Lavemai the prop impact.
 
Leonard will have the ability to come on at lock or in the backrow, with Pearl Rakete also in line to spark at backrow as well.
 
Rookie Gisela Vea will be the finishing halfback, with Petersen and sprinter Halley Derera completing the Brumbies gameday selection.
 
Brumbies head coach, Dan Hawke said: “The bye week was great for us to refresh and for the team to give it their all for these next two weeks.”
 
“Everyone in the group is really excited for Niki to get a start and having Mac and Gabby back in the team has given everyone a boost.
 
“We’re buzzing to play Sunday afternoon for our community, and it should be a great game.”


BRUMBIES TEAM FOR ROUND FIVE OF BUILDCORP SUPER W

1. Niki Patersen
2. Harriet Elleman
3. Louise Burrows
4. Ash Fernandez
5. Shellie Milward
6. Grace Kemp
7. Talei Qalo Wilson
8. Rebecca Smyth (C)
9. Jay Huriwai
10. Ash Hewson
11. Biola Dawa
12. Siokapesi Palu
13. Mana Furuta
14. Jemima McCalman
15. Ella Ryan
 
REPLACEMENTS
 
16. Tania Naden
17. Onēata Schwalger
18. Makoto Lavemai
19. Michaela Leonard
20. Pearl Rakete
21. Gisela Vea
22. Gabby Petersen
23. Halley Derera