The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have made four changes to the team to take on the Hurricanes on Saturday at GIO Stadium (kick-off 7.35pm) for the inaugural edition of the Captain Shout Cup.
The Brumbies return to the nation’s capital after two wins away from home, including last weekend’s 24-0 bonus point win over Moana Pasifika in Pukekohe, the first shut-out of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Front rowers James Slipper and Billy Pollard come back into the starting XV, the latter having scored two tries as a substitute on Saturday to take his tally for the season to six. Luke Reimer and Len Ikitau also come back into the lineup, having missed the Moana Pasifika tie due to being rested and an HIA respectively.
Captain Allan Alaalatoa praised his side after keeping the opposition to nil last weekend and is looking forward to the return of Reimer and Ikitau to the starting XV after being unavailable in Round 10.
“Last weekend gives us massive confidence, especially in and around the defence part of our game,” Alaalatoa said.
“To keep Moana out, who are a great attacking side, I think that was a massive effort for a lot of our boys. Especially with the discipline that we showed, we had two yellow cards and we still kept them to zero. So that was a positive, but we also understand that this weekend poses a lot of different other threats, which we're aware of. We have to make sure we're on top of our game against the Hurricanes.
“It’s going to be a physical game up front. You've got to earn the right against these blokes and I don't think it'll be any different for this weekend. It’s going to be a great game and I think both teams will represent Anzac well.
“Those two are boys in Len (Ikitau) and Luke (Reimer) have been in the team for a number of years. They don't have a leadership title as such but are considered as leaders in the team through their actions and both have been playing great throughout the year.”
The Brumbies moved up to third place in the table with 28 points from nine games, while upcoming opponents the Hurricanes lie in seventh after their Super Point, 17-17 draw at Western Force on Saturday.
Wing Corey Toole retains his place after a lightning performance against Moana, scoring two tries which means he sits on six for the season, alongside Pollard and opposite winger Andy Muirhead.
Having started last weekend’s win in Pukekohe, Lachlan Lonergan, Rhys van Nek, Rory Scott and Ollie Sapsford move onto the bench.
As well as world-class rugby action on the field on Saturday, there is a whole host of activities around the ground before kick-off, in a fitting tribute to those who have served and continue to serve for our countries.
This includes the Australian Defence Force rugby finals (men’s and women’s), Royal Australian Air Force Roulette Flyovers, Red Berets (including a parachute jump with Brumby Jack) and ceremonial activity with Australia’s Federation Guard, with a seven-person catafalque party and ode of remembrance.
Buy tickets to our Anzac Weekend Round fixture against the Hurricanes on Saturday here
2025 Smartech Super Rugby Pacific Round 11 – Saturday 26th April (7.35pm kick-off AEST)
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Hurricanes
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Starting XV:
- James Slipper
- Billy Pollard
- Allan Alaalatoa (c)
- Nick Frost
- Tom Hooper
- Rob Valetini
- Luke Reimer
- Tuaina Taii Tualima
- Ryan Lonergan
- Noah Lolesio
- Corey Toole
- David Feliuai
- Len Ikitau
- Andy Muirhead
- Tom Wright
Finishers:
- Lachlan Lonergan
- Rhys van Nek
- Feao Fotuaika
- Lachlan Shaw
- Rory Scott
- Harrison Goddard
- Declan Meredith
- Ollie Sapsford
Injury list:
Short-term:
Jack Debreczeni – groin injury, timeline TBC
Long-term:
Harry Vella – ACL reconstruction - 1 week
Kadin Pritchard – grade 1 knee MCL injury, 2 weeks
Charlie Cale – lower back injury, timeline TBC
Ben O’Donnell – hamstring operation, timeline TBC
Tevita Alatini - ACL reconstruction rehabilitation, timeline TBC
Blake Schoupp – ruptured achilles, 8+ months
