Ed Kennedy looks to push world-class teammates in maiden Brumbies start

Kennedy will line up at flanker for his first Super Rugby start against the Fijian Drua at Lang Park on Saturday night.

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar and assistant Laurie Fisher have a simple demand for Kennedy as the club moves to lock in the Goulburn junior beyond this season after impressing since arriving from Wales.

"It's the same thing as when I'm on the bench, physicality and dominance at set piece," Kennedy said.

"I'm just trying to get some carries, that's probably something I'll look to do a bit more of this weekend. Nothing really changes from when I'm on the bench, just physicality and being dominant around set piece.

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"It actually probably took me a few weeks to adjust to the actual game. It's a lot slower over there [in Wales], so it has taken me a little bit of time but I am starting to find my feet a bit more now. This weekend will be a pretty good test to see where I'm at."

Rob Valetini shifts to No. 8 for a date with the Drua, opening the door for Kennedy to earn his first start alongside Luke Reimer in a revamped forward pack with Pete Samu and Jahrome Brown given a spell.

Billy Pollard gets a chance at hooker with James Slipper and Sefo Kautai the starting props, with captain Allan Alaalatoa out due to neck soreness with scrumhalf Nic White given the captaincy.

Slipper, lock Darcy Swain and Valetini are the only regular starters in the Brumbies' pack named to face the Drua with a host of players given a golden chance to put their name up in lights.

"I think [McKellar] trusts his depth. For myself, I've obviously got Pete and Bobby there to contend with and I know what they are, they're world class players so if I'm pushing them that's great for them," Kennedy said.

"I've just got to keep doing my job the best I can, and if I get more opportunities then that's great for me. Whatever's best for the team.

"We should be happy with where we're at."

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC ROUND EIGHT

Saturday: Fijian Drua v ACT Brumbies at Lang Park, 7.45pm. Broadcast live on Stan Sport.

Brumbies squad: 1. James Slipper, 2. Billy Pollard, 3. Sefo Kautai, 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Tom Hooper, 6. Ed Kennedy, 7. Luke Reimer, 8. Rob Valetini, 9. Nic White (c), 10. Rod Iona, 11. Andy Muirhead, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Len Ikitau, 14. Cam Clark, 15. Tom Wright. Reserves: 16. Connal McInerney, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Nick Frost, 20. Rory Scott, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Hudson Creighton, 23. Ollie Sapsford.

Drua squad: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Mesulame Dolokoto, 3. Samuela Tawake, 4. Viliame Rarasea, 5. Chris Minimbi, 6. Joseva Tamani, 7. Vilive Miramira, 8. Meli Derenalagi (c), 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Teti Tela, 11. Vinaya Habosi, 12. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 13. Apisalome Vota, 14. Selestino Ravutaumada, 15. Kitione Ratu. Reserves: 16. Tevita Ikanivere, 17. Timoci Sauvoli, 18. Jone Tiko, 19. Isoa Nasilasila, 20. Raikabula Momoedon, 21. Rusiate Nasove, 22. Simione Kuruvoli, 23. Napolioni Bolaca.

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