The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have made only one change for Saturday’s Round 12 Smartech Super Rugby Pacific fixture against old rivals the Waratahs at GIO Stadium.
Rory Scott swaps in for Luke Reimer at openside flanker following the 35-29 loss to the Hurricanes on Saturday. Lington Ieli also comes in on the bench to replace Rhys van Nek.
Head coach Stephen Larkham stressed the significance of the match on Saturday in determining the top six of the standings at the end of the season.
“It’s an important game against the Waratahs on Saturday, there’s no doubt about that. We’ve always enjoyed the rivalry and this week is one of our biggest in the season. It’s going to be heated,” Larkham said.
“Coming off the game we that we had against them up in Sydney, there is disappointment from our players in several different aspects, such as the lack of composure we displayed. Where both teams sit on the ladder, this is a crucial game for both teams at this stage of the season. From now on, we’re deciding the top six, so every game is vital in terms of securing points.”
After scoring his fifth try of the season so far against the Hurricanes, Allan Alaalatoa is named as captain of the Brumbies for the 61st time, completing an all-Wallaby front row with Billy Pollard and James Slipper.
In the backs, Tom Wright has the most metres gained in the competition thus far with 716m and retains his place at full back, completing a potent back three with Andy Muirhead (seven tries this season) and Corey Toole (six tries).
The Brumby Runners will also face Hong Kong China on Saturday before this fixture (kick-off 5.05pm), with the team to be revealed later in the week.
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2025 Smartech Super Rugby Pacific Round 12 – Saturday 3rd May (7.35pm kick-off AEST)
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs NSW Waratahs
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Starting XV:
- James Slipper
- Billy Pollard
- Allan Alaalatoa (c)
- Nick Frost
- Tom Hooper
- Rob Valetini
- Rory Scott
- Tuaina Taii Tualima
- Ryan Lonergan
- Noah Lolesio
- Corey Toole
- David Feliuai
- Len Ikitau
- Andy Muirhead
- Tom Wright
Finishers:
16. Lachlan Lonergan
17. Lington Ieli
18. Feao Fotuaika
19. Lachlan Shaw
20. Luke Reimer
21. Klayton Thorn
22. Declan Meredith
23. Ollie Sapsford
Injury list:
Short-term:
- Jack Debreczeni – return to play 3-4 weeks
- Ben O’Donnell – hamstring operation, 3-4 weeks
- Charlie Cale – lower back injury, timeline 4-5 weeks
Long-term:
- Tevita Alatini - ACL reconstruction rehabilitation, timeline TBC
- Blake Schoupp – ruptured achilles, 8+ months
