ACT BRUMBIES

Finishes over the past three season: 2011 – 13th, 2010 – 6th, 2009 – 7th

Coach: Jake White

Captain: To be announced

Gains: Ruaidhri Murphy (Exeter), Zack Holmes (Western Force), Tevita Kuridrani (Queensland), Ben Mowen (Waratahs, Ian Prior (Queensland), Siliva Siliva (Western Force), Joe Tomane (NRL)

Losses: Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs), Rocky Elsom (Waratahs), Matt Giteau (Toulon), Stephen Hoiles (released), Salesi Ma’afu (Western Force, Julian Salvi (Leicester), Josh Valetine (Narbonne), Samu Wara (Western Force)

One to watch: Likely captain-to-be Ben Mowen will be tasked with providing leadership on the field, as well as a boost to the Brumbies’ back row.

Best team: Pat McCabe, Joseph Tomane, Andrew Smith, Christian Lealiifano, Henry Speight, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ben Mowen, Colby Faingaa, Ita Vaea, Peter Kimlin, Ben Hand, Dan Palmer, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander. Res: Anthony Hegarty, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Leon Power, Michael Hooper, Ian Prior, Robbie Coleman, Jesse Mogg

Predicted Australian conference finish: 3rd.

Betting: $29