The Waratahs and Brumbies have been given a boost for their clashes against the British and Irish Lions as four player from the Wallabies squad have been released back to their Super Rugby teams.
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Waratahs captain Dave Dennis, and inside centre Rob Horne, will depart the Sunshine Coast tonight to join up with their state side ahead of Saturday night’s bumper clash against the British and Irish Lions at Alliance Stadium.
The Brumbies pair of utility forward Peter Kimlin and prop Scot Sio will return to Canberra at the end of the camp tomorrow, remaining in the nation’s capital until following the Brumbies’ much-anticipated match against the British and Irish Lions on Tuesday night.
Both players featured in last week’s 39-17 win over the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby, with Kimlin finishing that match as captain as the Brumbies all but assured themselves of a home playoff as winners of the Australian conference.
The decision of Wallabies coach Robbie Deans to release the quartet gives the Waratahs and Brumbies a boost, while also guaranteeing the players more rugby – and valuable exposure to the tourist’s playing style – prior to the start of the Test series, in Brisbane on June 22.
All four players will return to the Wallabies squad after the tour matches.
The Wallabies team for the first Test of the Tom Richards Cup series will be announced on Thursday June 20.
Dennis featured in all 15 Tests played by the Wallabies last year, during his debut Test season, while Horne lends the experience of 14 previous Test appearances to the Waratahs’ cause.
Australian Sevens representatives Bernard Foley and Matt Lucas were last night released from their duties with the national side so they can also feature in Saturday night’s tour match.
Kimlin has played two Tests for the Wallabies, while rising star Sio scored his maiden try in Super Rugby last week.