Brumbies wrecking ball Solomone Kata set for comeback

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made eight positional and personnel changes to his side for the clash against the Western Force at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday night.

It will be the first time the Brumbies have played at the home of the Wests Tigers, but winger Solomone Kata knows the venue well having played there in his past life as an NRL flyer.

The Brumbies have added the back-line wrecking ball to the their squad for the first time since he scored a double against the NSW Waratahs in the match before the coronavirus shutdown.

Kata has battled a hamstring injury since, but he will be unleashed as Tom Wright's wing partner - both former rugby league players.

kata has scored five tries in his six Super Rugby games and will form a devastating combination with Wright and Tom Banks as the back three.

"We haven't made changes to trial guys, we're giving the opposition full respect," McKellar said. "[Kata] was ready last week, but I thought he just needed another week of full training. He does his best work on game day - that's him."

Bayley Kuenzle and Nick Frost will start for the first time in their careers, Kuenzle taking the flyhalf role and 205 centimetre Frost stepping into the second row.

Ben Hyne gets his opportunity of the year after joining the Brumbies when the Japan Sunwolves ended their playing days early because of coronavirus. Luckless Hyne has been dogged by injuries and hasn't played for the Brumbies since 2017.

"He was a popular selection. He just works hard, he's a footballer," McKellar said. "He'll just empty the tank."

Will Miller replaces Tom Cusack at openside flanker, Scott Sio starts at loosehead with Harry Lloyd to be his back up and James Slipper the reserve tighthead after overcoming concussion.

The injury and form changes come as the Brumbies prepare to renew rivalries with the Force, who are back in Super Rugby this year after being axed from the competition three years ago.

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The Perth side is coached by former Canberra Vikings and Tuggeranong Vikings mentor Tim Sampson and boasts several capital connections, including former Brumby Kyle Godwin and Easts skipper Jacob Abel.

They will also inject former All Black Richard Kahui for the first time as they chase their first win.

"They've been up 14-0 in both of their games so far. They've got a couple of former All Blacks and good players across the board ... they're a good side," McKellar said.

McKellar backed Kuenzle to take charge as the chief playmaker. The former junior Wallaby was level with Noah Lolesio in the No. 10 battle in the pre-season, but was edged out for round one.

Lolesio has made the most of his opportunities, but he will miss the next eight weeks after injuring his hamstring last week.

"We've spent a lot of time with [Kuenzle] this week just reassuring him. Noah's played six or seven games ... there wasn't much between them during the NRC and pre-season," McKellar said.

"This is his opportunity now and we've got full confidence. He's a good footballer who brings a different skill set. A bigger body, a good running game and can challenge any defence. He'll do a good job."

The Brumbies have won seven of eight games across two different competitions this year, but were well below their best in a gritty win against the NSW Waratahs last weekend.

SUPER RUGBY AU ROUND FOUR

Saturday: Western Force v ACT Brumbies at Leichhardt Oval, 7.15pm.

Brumbies: 1. Scott Sio, 2. Folau Fainga'a, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Murray Douglas, 5. Nick Frost, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Will Miller, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Bayley Kuenzle, 11. Tom Wright, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Solomone Kata, 15. Tom Banks. Reserves: 16. Connal McInerney, 17. Harry Lloyd, 18. James Slipper, 19. Ben Hyne, 20. Lachlan McCaffrey, 21. Issak Fines, 22. Mack Hansen, 23. Andy Muirhead.

Force: 15. Jack McGregor, 14. Byron Ralston, 13. Marcel Brache, 12. Henry Taefu, 11. Brad Lacey, 10. Jono Lance, 9. Nick Frisby, 8. Brynard Stander, 7. Tevin Ferris, 6. Henry Stowers, 5. Fergus Lee-Warner, 4. Jeremy Thrush (capt), 3. Kieran Longbottom, 2. Feleti Kaitu'u, 1. Angus Wagner. Reserves: 16. Andrew Ready, 17. Chris Heiberg, 18. Tom Sheminant, 19. Ollie Atkins, 20. Ollie Callan, 21. Jacob Abel, 22. Richard Kahui, 23. Kyle Godwin.