James Slipper gets shot at Rebels redemption with Brumbies start
Former Wallabies and Queensland Reds skipper James Slipper will get his shot at Super Rugby redemption after being picked in the ACT Brumbies side for the opening game of the season.
Slipper will make his Brumbies debut in the clash against the Melbourne Rebels at Canberra Stadium on Friday night, marking the first step in his rugby second chance.
The veteran prop played 104 games for the Reds before being banned for two months for twice testing positive to cocaine. The Reds refused to pick him when his ban expired.
That opened the door for the Brumbies to offer him a lifeline and he will play his first game May last year when he steps into the ACT front row.
Slipper will start ahead of Wallabies loosehead Scott Sio, who has been moved to the bench. The Wallabies wanted Sio to be rested from all trial games, meaning he hasn't played yet this year.
Allan Alaalatoa and David Pocock will start, while New Zealand recruit Toni Pulu gets his first opportunity on the wing.
Irae Simone starts at inside centre, boom youngster Rob Valetini is at blindside flanker and Pete Samu will start on the bench as back-row cover.
The game against the Rebels will be the start of their mission to get back into the finals after missing hte play-offs last season.
The Rebels are stacked with Wallabies talent and are considered the favourite to win the Australian conference this year.
The Rebels beat the Brumbies in both matches last year and are set to add Quade Cooper to their starting side for the clash in the capital.
SUPER RUGBY ROUND ONE
Friday: ACT Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm.
Brumbies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Folau Faingaa, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Rory Arnold, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. David Pocock, 8. Lachlan McCaffrey, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Toni Pulu, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Henry Speight, 15. Tom Banks. Reserves: 16. Josh Mann-Rea, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Les Leuluaialii-Makin, 19. Blake Enever, 20. Pete Samu, 21. Matt Lucas, 22. Wharenui Hawera, 23. Andy Muirhead.