FIRST it was the mumps. Then injury. But the ACT Brumbies, featuring Berry's Will Miller, are refusing to make excuses as they aim to break a six-year New Zealand drought on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has been forced to make several changes to his side for the clash against the Waikato Chiefs in Hamilton - although Miller retains his starting spot at openside flanker.
Folau Faingaa (foot) and Tom Wright (illness) have been ruled out, while Irae Simone and Bayley Kuenzle are back in the squad after being struck down by mumps last week.
Related content: Miller's Brumbies aim to starve Chiefs
Connal McInerney replaces Faingaa at hooker, while Lachlan Lonergan will make his Super Rugby debut from the bench.
Andy Muirhead replaces Wright on the wing with Toni Pulu being added to the bench for his first game of the year.
The Brumbes' preparations were thrown into chaos this week, with players being put in quarantine after an outbreak of mumps. Six players, coaches and staff have been affected.
Brumbies players had to be tested before leaving Canberra on Thursday morning and their club headquarters were sterilised in the hope of avoiding further infection.
Related content: Duo's Brumbies make one change ahead of Rebels clash
But McKellar says the off-field drama won't be used as an excuse as the Brumbies chase their first win in New Zealand since 2014 and their first win in Hamilton since 2007.
Simone and Kuenzle returned to training this week after being forced to miss the loss against the Highlanders last week.
Related content: Australian star Jesse Parahi excited for Kiama Sevens to return
Players, coaches and staff were put in quarantine for five days after the Brumbies worked with Rugby Australia and ACT Health to develop an illness management plan.
Faingaa's toe injury added another complication to the Brumbies' preparations, although he is expected to miss just one game.
"We're very confident in Connal. He's had a really good 18 months and an excellent pre-season," McKellar said. "He's confident and understands he's comfortable at Super Rugby, he's getting better and better."
Waikato Chiefs vs ACT Brumbies at Saturday 5.05pm
ACT squad: 1. James Slipper, 2. Connal McInerney, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Caderyn Neville, 5. Murray Douglas, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Will Miller, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Andy Muirhead, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Solomone Kata, 15. Tom Banks. Reserves: 16. Lachlan Lonergan, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Nick Frost, 20. Lachlan McCaffrey, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Bayley Kuenzle and 23. Toni Pulu.