Young Brumbies give Ryan Lonergan and Reesjan Pasitoa Sunwolves chance

In fact, if you ask nicely ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar might even call your boss to seek an early mark for what he believes can be a perfect opportunity to reignite Australian rugby in Wollongong.

Four teams. Two games. One venue. And a chance to, as McKellar puts it: "Kick back, and have a couple of tins on the hill.

"I've never been to Wollongong myself. But I'd be straight on to the boss, get the afternoon off ... I couldn't think of anything better."

McKellar's Brumbies will play the Sunwolves in Wollongong at the rescheduled time of 2.45pm after coronavirus fears forced Super Rugby bosses to cancel games in Japan.

The NSW Waratahs will play five hours later at 7.45pm and there's a Hunter v Illawarra game in between the first double header in Super Rugby history.

McKellar wants it to showcase the revitalisation of Australian rugby, which has been led by the Brumbies in the first five weeks of the season.

They've won three of four games so far and are riding high after snapping a five-year losing streak in New Zealand when they beat the Chiefs.

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McKellar has opted for fresh faces for the Sunwolves' clash, throwing Ryan Lonergan into the No. 9 jersey for the first time since making his debut three years ago.

Scott Sio returns to loosehead prop and James Slipper moves to the bench as part of a two-game rotation, Toni Pulu earns his first start of the year and Tom Cusack, Darcy Swain and Tom Wright are back from injury and illness.

Teenager Reesjan Pasitoa, who made his debut last month as the second youngest player in Brumbies history, will get his opportunity to shine at some point as the back-up playmaker.

Lonergan has been biding his time after playing his first game at the end of 2017. The Brumbies wrapped him in cotton wool in 2018, gradually increased his load last year and have picked him for every game so far this season.

"As I've said with all young players, you've got to make sure you develop them," McKellar said.

"It's not just about selecting them and throwing them out there. You've got to develop them over time.

"A lot of the players are in a rush. Lonners hasn't been, he's been really patient. He's had that exposure, and you can see now he's ready to thrive and perform well."

Lonergan will take on the goal-kicking duties and team up with fellow young gun Noah Lolesio in the halves, with Joe Powell rotated to the bench.

Hooker Folau Faingaa is still unavailable as he battles an ongoing toe issue, but he is expected to be ready for a comeback against the Waratahs in Canberra next weekend.

Connal McInerney retains the starting spot in Faingaa's absence, while Lonergan's younger brother Lachlan will earn his second cap on the bench.

McKellar has also rotated his wingers, with Andy Muirhead rested to give speedster Pulu his first starting chance of the season.

"I want to see [Pulu] go looking for the ball, get it in his hands and have multiple touches. Having 10-plus carries would be nice," McKellar said.

"His speed ... he's one of the quickest getting around. If he gets in open space, put your glasses down. I just want to see him get involved and perform well."

The Brumbies have never been beaten by the Sunwolves, winning all five previous encounters.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND SIX

Friday: Japan Sunwolves v ACT Brumbies at Wollongong, 2.45pm.

Brumbies: 1. Scott Sio, 2. Connal McInerney, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Caderyn Neville, 5. Murray Douglas, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Will Miller, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Ryan Lonergan, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Toni Pulu, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Solomone Kata, 15. Tom Banks. Reserves: 16. Lachlan Lonergan, 17. James Slipper, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Darcy Swain, 20. Tom Cusack, 21. Joe Powell, 22. Reesjan Pasitoa, 23. Tom Wright.