Ben Alexander and Allan Alaalatoa will team up in the front row for their match against the Sunwolves, with Sio nursing a 'minor niggle' back in Canberra.
Richie Arnold has usurped his twin Rory for his debut Brumbies start, with the latter on the pine in Tokyo.
Canberra Vikings captain and 2016 Olympian Tom Cusack will have the first chance to take the seven jersey as David Pocock recovers from knee surgery, with Lochie McCaffrey on the bench.
Cusack will combine with Rob Valetini and breakout 2017 star Isi Naisarani in the backrow in the opening clash.