Scrumhalf Michael Dowsett admits Canberra was off the pace in last weekend's loss to start the National Rugby Championship, but Vikings coach Dan McKellar hasn't hesitated in changing the team to cope with a quick turnaround.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Canberra has made five changes to its starting team for Thursday night's match against the Greater Sydney Rams at Parramatta, including a new front row and the return of ACT Brumbies flanker Jarrad Butler from injury.
Despite four changes to the pack, the backline has remained stable. Winger Brendon Taueki is the only new face out wide, enabling Canberra to try to establish some combinations in the short competition.
Dowsett admitted Canberra was caught off guard in Saturday's 28-23 loss to the Perth Spirit.
"I think we came out underprepared and not quite up to the expectation of what this competition has demanded," Dowsett admitted. "Nothing seemed to gel for us. We only had a week or two together, so I suppose the combinations are going to come, but that's no excuse, we definitely need to be better than we were.
"We probably didn't expect it to be as quick and physical as it was."
To combat fatigue, Canberra will start with a new front row of Les Makin, Lala Lam and Allan Alaalatoa. While Makin and Alaalatoa are former Australian under-20 representatives and part of the Brumbies squad, Butler said Lam could provide a spark at hooker.
"He's a big X-factor in the team. He can put a shot on and he's got a really good ball carry," Butler said. "[The new front row is] experienced, very physical and that's what you want against a big Rams outfit."
Butler is keen to throw himself into the NRC after missing the opening week with a back injury, sustained in the gym.
"It's not the best start to the season to go out like that, but I'm really excited to get back on the paddock and only miss a week."
The squad also includes Commonwealth Games medallist and sevens specialist, Tom Cusack. Cusack hasn't played 15-a-side rugby for a year.
Thursday
Greater Sydney Rams v Canberra Vikings at Parramatta Stadium, 7.30pm
Canberra: Les Makin, Lala Lam, Allan Alaalatoa, Tom Staniforth, Tim Cree, Jordan Smiler, Jarrad Butler, Fotu Auelua, Michael Dowsett, Isaac Thompson, Robbie Coleman, Christian Lealiifano, Nigel Ahwong, Brendon Taueki, Jesse Mogg. Reserves: Mitch Wade, J.P. Smith, Ruan Smith, Tom Cusack, Sean Doyle, Edan Campbell-O'Brien, Jake Rakic, Jerome Niumata.