Star-studded Brumbies to face Reds

The match against the Reds at Ballymore will act as the final hit out for the Brumbies before they begin their Super Rugby season at home in just over two weeks' time on 26 February against the Hurricanes in Canberra.

Wallabies' representatives from the 2015 World Cup Scott Fardy, David Pocock, Tevita Kuridrani, Joe Tomane and Henry Speight along with co-captains Christian Lealiifano and Stephen Moore were all named for their first start in 2016.

Earlier this week the Reds named their side to face the Brumbies, which contains a number of stars including the outgoing Liam Gill. The Reds lost last week's trial against the Crusaders 31-3 at Ballymore.

Larkham said his side is well-prepared for a new-look Reds side Friday.

"It's certainly one of the strongest sides I've been involved with in terms of trial teams," Larkham said.

"Some of the boys are coming back from Wallaby duties, they didn't have a trial last week against the Waratahs. Some guys impressed in Wagga and they're getting another opportunity this week."

Lealiifano returns to the side at flyhalf after missing the game in Wagga against the Waratahs due to a niggling leg injury, meaning Matt Toomua moves to inside centre.

Larkham said he was excited to have the pair reunited in the Brumbies XV.

"This is the combination we wanted to trial in the first game," Larkham said.

"Matt Toomua got injured last year and Christian [Lealiifano] got his opportunity at ten and it suited our team well, so we wanted to give that combination the first shot this year."

Henry Speight returns to the Brumbies set up after spending majority of the pre-season with the Australian Sevens team.

Larkham said it would be hard for Speight to slot in after spending limited time with the team over the off-season, but it was necessary for him to play against the Reds.

"He's only had one run with the boys and he's had to pick up all the new moves and new patterns we're running in one day," Larkham said.

"He's a little bit fatigued but I think it's really important for him to play because it's our last trial to get him out and see how that combination is going to go."

Allan Alaalatoa keeps his spot in the starting line-up for the Brumbies after a strong performance last weekend against the Waratahs. Wallabies loosehead prop Scott Sio will start from the bench.

Larkham said Alaalatoa had been impressive in 2016.

"He had a really good pre-season," Larkham said.

"He topped it off with a really good performance in Wagga last week against the Waratahs. Scotty [Sio] could've come back into the starting side but we thought Allan played well enough last week to retain that starting position."

Brumbies: 15 Aidan Toua, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Christian Lealiifano (co-captain), 9 Tomás Cubelli, 8 Ita Vaea, 7 David Pocock, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore (co-captain), 1 Allan Alaalatoa.

Replacements – from: Robbie Abel, Scott Sio, Leslie Leulua'iali'i-Makin, Blake Enever, Jarrad Butler, Michael Dowsett, Nick Jooste, Andrew Smith, Tom Staniforth, Jordan Smiler, Nigel Ah Wong.

Date: Friday, February 12

Venue: Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane

Kick-off: 19.30 (8.30 GMT)

Referee: Angus Gardner

Assistant referees: Nic Berry, Jordan Way