Wallaby contingent for Brumbies

The Brumbies have been bolstered by a large contingent of Wallabies, as they head into their final trial game prior to the start of the 2015 Super Rugby season.

Coach Stephen Larkham named a 28-man squad to Wagga Wagga on Saturday to face the Highlanders.

In the forwards Scott Fardy, Ben Alexander and Sam Carter will all make their first appearance for 2015 with Fardy on return from injury.

The backs will be bolstered by a number of Wallabies - including Tevita Kuridrani, Henry Speight, Joe Tomane and Matt Toomua.

Last week's try-scoring trio of David Pocock, Christian Lealiifano and Sean Doyle will all feature.

The coach said the players are eager to prove themselves before the start of the official Super Rugby season.

"This is an important match for us and the players are keen to put their pre-season training into practice and make a big impression on Friday," Larkham said.

"We have a good mix of experienced internationals and up-and-coming players in the team who will all be looking for a win prior to the season.

"The Highlanders are always a tough side to beat so it should be an entertaining game of rugby.

"The stadium in Wagga, being a local ground, will provide a great opportunity for spectators to get up close to the action."

Following this weekend's game, the next time the Brumbies and Highlanders meet will be on April 24 in an ANZAC Day clash in Canberra.

The Brumbies Super Rugby season will kick-off on Friday, February 13, against the Reds in Canberra.

Brumbies squad: Allan Alaalatoa, Ben Alexander, Rory Arnold, Jarrad Butler, Sam Carter, Robbie Coleman, James Dargaville, Michael Dowsett, Sean Doyle, Blake Enever, Scott Fardy, Rod Iona, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Leslie Leulua'iali'i-Makin, David Pocock, Scott Sio, Jordan Smiler,  Jean-Pierre Smith, Ruan Smith, Henry Speight, Tom Staniforth, Lausii Taliauli, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Ita Vaea, Mitch Wade, Nic White.

Date: Saturday, January 31

Venue: McDonald's Park, Wagga Wagga

Kick-off: 19.00 (21.00 NZ time; 08.00 GMT)

Referee: Matt O'Brien (Australia)

Assistant referees: Michael Hogan, James Morris

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