For so long it has been considered sport's dirty word. Rotation - don't say it, don't think it, don't do it. But the ACT Brumbies believe chopping and changing is what can win them a Super Rugby title.
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That's why you'll see a new captain, props, scrumhalf, flyhalf and hooker when they run out in Perth on Friday night, coach Dan McKellar throwing new faces into battle against the Western Force.
Ryan Lonergan, a childhood Brumbies fan, takes the captaincy duties while Allan Ala'alatoa stays in Canberra, Rod Iona wears the No.10 jersey while Noah Lolesio gives his ankle an extra week to recover and then the rest.
But this isn't disrespect, McKellar says. It's the evolution of a plan the Brumbies have spoken about in previous years, but never really been able to implement properly.
The Brumbies have left out Wallabies Ala'alatoa, James Slipper, Folau Fainga'a and Connal McInerney, while Nic White is a 50-50 chance to join the team as he awaits the birth of his third child in Canberra.
What sets the Brumbies apart from their Australian opponents is who they're bringing in. Wallabies-capped hooker Lachlan Lonergan, Wallabies veteran prop Scott Sio, Wallabies-in-waiting Ryan Lonergan and Billy Pollard, and Samoa's chief playmaker, Iona.
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Still scarred by having almost nothing left in the tank and a long list of injuries for the trans-Tasman competition last year, the Brumbies have vowed to make sure they have enough fuel to get them where they desperately want to go.
"Firstly, I want to make sure there's no disrespect to the opposition. This was always part of our plan," McKellar said.
"We had a big scrum game last week against the Reds, pretty much the best part of 12 hours on a plane or at airports so it was a good chance to freshen up the front row.
"It's in line what what I've been talking about all year. That's making sure we provide players with opportunity, freshen up [others] and rotate when we know we can because we expect [all players] to do the job."
Lonergan and Iona will form a new halves combination, with Canberra junior Lonergan to also shoulder the captaincy duties in Ala'alatoa's absence.
Former junior Wallabies captain Lonergan replaces White in the starting side, while Iona has almost played more Tests than Super Rugby matches despite making his Brumbies debut in 2014.
Lonergan becomes just the fourth Brumbies' skipper from the Canberra region, following the footsteps of George Gregan, Matt Giteau and Tom Cusack.
"It's obviously a massive honour," Lonergan said. "But there's nothing too much different for me, it doesn't change a whole lot for what I do.
"I'd never really thought about. I didn't set out for this, it just happened. This is probably the most I've thought about it now that you're asking. It's a massive honour and a privilege, but I'm super proud to represent the area.
"There's a bit of rotation going on, so it's a great opportunity for guys to step up and I'm sure they will."
Sio and Sefo Kautai will be the starting props, while Fred Kaihea and Tom Ross are the back ups on the bench. Hudson Creighton could get a chance to make his debut as the back-up flyhalf, while flanker Rory Scott also returns.
Iona has played seven Tests and just five Super Rugby games, although he has had stints in Perth and in France in between starting his Brumbies career and then returning last year.
"It's some story for Rods. He's certainly shown a whole lot of persistence and resilience to not give up on his dream.
"His strength has always been his ability to challenge the defensive line. Over time he's become really consistent, he can guide and direct a team, and not just trying to run himself out of every situation."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND SIX
Friday: Western Force v ACT Brumbies in Perth, 10pm.
Brumbies team: 1. Scott Sio, 2. Lachlan Lonergan, 3. Sefo Kautai, 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Nick Frost, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Jahrome Brown, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Ryan Lonergan, 10. Rod Iona, 11. Andy Muirhead, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Len Ikitau, 14. Tom Wright, 15. Tom Banks. Reserves: 16. Billy Pollard, 17. Fred Kaihea, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Tom Hooper, 20. Rory Scott, 21. Nic White, 22. Hudson Creighton, 23. Jesse Mogg.
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