The ACT Brumbies take on the Melbourne Rebels, while the NSW Waratahs take on the Queensland Reds.
ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has named close to a full-strength line-up for Saturday's trial against the Melbourne Rebels in Wagga Wagga.
Tom Wright [pictured below] will start the game at fullback, filling the void left by Tom Banks after his departure to Japan.
Wright played three Tests in the 15 jersey in 2022, including their comeback victory over Wales.
He is joined in the back three by Andy Muirhead and Corey Toole, with Toole impressing with a double during last week's win over the NSW Waratahs.
Wallabies duo Darcy Swain and Nick Frost combine in the second row after coming off the bench, joined in the starting side by Lachlan Lonergan.
Scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan will once again captain the side, joined in the halves by Jack Debreczeni.
“We’re fortunate to be able to get some rugby into our returning Wallabies, and it will be a tough, physical test against the Rebels," Larkham said in a statement.
“Griffith set the standard last week and we’re excited to put on a special weekend of rugby in Wagga Wagga.”
Larkham will also bring on the likes of Wallabies skipper James Slipper, Pete Samu, Cadeyrn Neville and Len Ikitau from the bench.
They will join Jesse Mogg, who will make his first appearance since suffering a season-ending injury against the Queensland Reds.
ACT Brumbies Starting Team
[Saturday 11 February, McDonalds Park, Wagga Wagga, Kick-off 6:30pm]
1. Blake Schoupp, 2. Lachlan Lonergan, 3. Rhys Van Nek, 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Nick Frost, 6. Tom Hooper, 7. Luke Reimer, 8. Charlie Cale, 9. Ryan Lonergan (c), 10. Jack Debreczeni, 11. Corey Toole, 12. Tamati Tua, 13. Ollie Sapsford, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Tom Wright
REPLACEMENTS: Connal McInerney, Liam Bowron, Fred Kaihea, James Slipper, Tom Ross, Cadeyrn Neville, Jack Wright, Titi Nofoagatatoa, Rory Scott, Pete Samu, Klayton Thorn, Nathan Carroll, Jesse Mogg, Austin Anderson, Len Ikitau, Matias Jensen, Declan Meredith, Pedro Rolando
The NSW Waratahs continue their road home to Allianz Stadium with a pre-season match against the Reds, part of the 2023 Santos Festival of Rugby, in Narrabri on Saturday 11 February.
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman has fielded a formidable lineup, featuring returning Wallabies, to start the match.
Tom Lambert has been promoted to the starting side after an impressive shift against the Brumbies, joining Mahe Vailanu and Archer Holz in the front-row.
Jed Holloway runs out for his first match of the 2023 pre-season and locks the scrum with Wallaby teammate Ned Hanigan.
Lachie Swinton continues his comeback from injury, forming an abrasive back row with Charlie Gamble and Will Harris.
Waratahs Skipper Jake Gordon returns to the side and will partner Tane Edmed in the halves, with Ben Donaldson shifting to fullback and Max Jorgensen on the wing in the place of the injured Dylan Pietsch.
Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman was looking for more improvement from his side after their narrow loss to the Brumbies.
“Last week was a great chance to blow out the cobwebs, and I’m expecting the lads to take it to the next level this week,” Coleman said.
“We’ve picked a strong starting team that will play longer minutes as we build towards round one, and we’re excited to welcome back our Wallabies in Holloway, Gordon, Foketi, Perese, and Nawaqanitawase.
“We can’t wait to get to Narrabri, the Central North is such a strong rugby area, and we’re really looking forward to playing in front of our regional fans and connecting with the local community through coaching clinics and school visits.”
WARATAHS Starting Team
1) Tom Lambert 2) Mahe Vailanu, 3) Archer Holz, 4) Jed Holloway, 5) Ned Hanigan, 6) Lachie Swinton, 7) Charlie Gamble, 8) Will Harris, 9) Jake Gordon, 10) Tane Edmed, 11) Max Jorgensen, 12) Lalakai Foketi, 13) Mosese Tuipulotu, 14) Mark Nawaqanitawase, 15) Ben Donaldson.
Replacements: 16) Tolu Latu, 17) Sateki Latu, 18) Te Tera Faulkner, 19) Hugh Sinclair, 20) Langi Gleeson, 21) Harrison Goddard, 22) Henry O'Donnell, 23) Nemani Nadolo, 24) Ben Dowling, 25) Hunter Ward, 26) Harry Wilson, 27) Taleni Seu, 28) Brad Amitanuai
