Former Queensland Reds captain James Slipper has forced Wallabies loosehead prop Scott Sio to the bench for the Brumbies’ Super Rugby season opener.

Slipper will start against Melbourne at GIO Stadium on Friday night in his first game for the ACT-based franchise, after he was thrown a lifeline by Brumbies coach Dan McKellar.

Sio was Australia coach Michael Cheika’s choice as starting loosehead prop in their last Test of 2018, against England in November.

Wallabies star David Pocock has been named at openside flanker despite a pre-season hampered by injury.

Captain Christian Lealiifano will lead out a Brumbies XV boasting 11 players with international experience.

Former Crusaders flanker Pete Samu will begin his Brumbies career on the bench after playing limited minutes during the two trial wins.

Veteran hooker Josh Mann-Rea will make his first appearance since round three last year when he tore his hamstring off the bone.

Mann-Rea, who turns 38 next week, will have a fight on his hands for minutes with 23-year-old Folau Fainga’a eyeing a spot in the Wallabies’ World Cup squad.

Brumbies: Tom Banks, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Irae Simone, Toni Pulu, Christian Lealiifano (c), Joe Powell, Lachlan McCaffrey, David Pocock, Rob Valetini, Sam Carter, Rory Arnold, Allan Alaalatoa, Folau Fainga’a. James Slipper. Res: Josh Mann-Rea, Scott Sio, Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin, Blake Enever, Pete Samu, Matt Lucas, Wharenui Hawera Andy Muirhead.