The ACT Brumbies will welcome back a host of Wallabies for this Saturday’s clash against the Melbourne Rebels, the club’s final hit-out before Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific kicks off on February 24.
Stephen Larkham’s side looked sharp in their 31-26 victory over the NSW Waratahs last week in Griffith, Riverina local Corey Toole claiming a brace of tries to set up his return to hometown in Wagga Wagga this weekend.
Larkham will unleash Wallabies flyer Tom Wright at fullback with Toole and Andy Muirhead occupying the wings.
Tamati Tua and Ollie Sapsford continue their tandem in the centres with Ryan Lonergan leading the side from halfback alongside Jack Debreczeni at 10.
Up-front, Blake Schoupp and Rhys Van Nek will look to impress at prop with Wallabies rake Lachlan Lonergan starting at hooker.
International duo Darcy Swain and Nick Frost combine in the second row, with Tom Hooper shifting to blindside flanker. Luke Reimer and Charlie Cale complete an exciting ACT starting selection.
James Slipper, Cadeyrn Neville, Pete Samu and Len Ikitau will get valuable minutes off the bench, with experienced fullback Jesse Mogg also returning to the Brumbies matchday selection.
ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: “We’re fortunate to be able to get some rugby into our returning Wallabies, and it will be a tough, physical test against the Rebels.”
“Griffith set the standard last week and we’re excited to put on a special weekend of rugby in Wagga Wagga.”
Saturday 11 February, McDonalds Park, Wagga Wagga
Kick-off 6:30pm
1. Blake Schoupp
2. Lachlan Lonergan
3. Rhys Van Nek
4. Darcy Swain
5. Nick Frost
6. Tom Hooper
7. Luke Reimer
8. Charlie Cale
9. Ryan Lonergan (c)
10. Jack Debreczeni
11. Corey Toole
12. Tamati Tua
13. Ollie Sapsford
14. Andy Muirhead
15. Tom Wright
REPLACEMENTS
Connal McInerney, Liam Bowron, Fred Kaihea, James Slipper, Tom Ross, Cadeyrn Neville, Jack Wright, Titi Nofoagatatoa, Rory Scott, Pete Samu, Klayton Thorn, Nate carroll, Jesse Mogg, Austin Anderson, Len Ikitau, Matias Jensen, Declan Meredith, Pedro Rolando
The ACT Brumbies will take on the Melbourne Rebels this Saturday, 6:30pm at McDonald's Park in Wagga Wagga, live and exclusively on Bar TV Sports.
