Moore returns as Brumbies captain against Rebels

Brumbies hooker Stephen Moore has been named to make his first start of the 2015 this weekend when the Canberra Super Rugby side face the Rebels in Melbourne.

Moore will captain the team in his first start since rupturing his ACL while Captaining the Wallabies in the first Test against France last year.

Wallabies hooker Moore has already made two appearances from the bench for the Brumbies in 2015. But his return to the starting side will provide experience to the Brumbies pack as it moves into a block of Australian derbies.

Both of Saturday’s combatants have made solid starts to the 2015 season. The Rebels and Brumbies sit on one-win a piece, the Melbournians travelling to Christchurch to knock over the Crusaders while the ACT-based side pummelled the Reds in Canberra two weeks ago.

In one of the tightest domestic fights to occur since the expansion of the Super Rugby competition, all Australian teams are level on one win and a loss. The derbies shape as crucial battle grounds in 2015 and Head Coach Stephen Larkham said he is confident the Brumbies could clinch a win on the road in Melbourne.

“The Rebels present us with a significant challenge but one we have worked hard on and have the ability to overcome,” Larkham said.

“Josh Mann-Rea has been outstanding in Stephen Moore’s absence. Along with Siliva we have three world-class hookers in that position. Steve is Australia’s most experienced player and any side receives a boost while he’s on the field, so we’re pleased to welcome him back.

“It’s a pleasure to have Jesse Mogg on the bench this weekend. Jesse had a shoulder reconstruction over the off-season, but he’s come through the rehab process and is good to go. Robbie Coleman has been one of our best during the opening rounds at fullback so it’s nice to see so much depth there in our back three.

“Also on the bench it’s exciting to give Blake Enever his first chance with the Brumbies. Blake made one appearance for the Reds a few years back, so he’s been ticking along nicely during the pre-season to be ready for Saturday.

“They’re a strong side, we’ve seen the Rebels shake up both of last year’s finalists in the first two weeks and there’s no doubt we’ll need to be at our best to get the job done on Saturday.”

With Enever and Mogg sliding onto the bench, Sean Doyle and Lausii Taliauli move out of the match day 23.

Brumbies

1. Scott Sio , 2. Stephen Moore (c) , 3. Ben Alexander , 4. Rory Arnold , 5. Sam Carter , 6. Scott Fardy , 7. Jarrad Butler , 8. Ita Vaea , 9. Nic White , 10. Matt Toomua , 11. Joe Tomane , 12. Christian Lealiifano , 13. Tevita Kuridrani , 14. Henry Speight , 15. Robbie Coleman

Replacements : 16. Josh Mann-Rea , 17. Ruan Smith , 18. JP Smith , 19. Blake Enever , 20. Jordan Smiler , 21. Michael Dowsett , 22. James Dargaville , 23. Jesse Mogg