The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies make three changes on their return to Canberra as Noah Lolesio comes back into the side to face the Fijian Drua on Friday night at GIO Stadium.
Fly half Lolesio missed three games due to concussion, including last week’s infamous 21-20 win over the Blues at Eden Park, our first there for 12 years. Hooker Billy Pollard is also restored to the starting lineup, as is scrum half Ryan Lonergan, who kicked the winning penalty in Auckland.
Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham was delighted to welcome back his Wallaby no. 10 and does not underestimate the Drua, after their 28-24 win over the Chiefs in Lautoka.
“Declan (Meredith) has had an excellent start to the season, but this is Noah’s chance to come in and lead around the team from fly half,” Larkham said.
“With Jack (Debreczeni) also in the squad, we have three strong stand-offs and the healthy competition for places can only be a good thing.
“We know that the Drua are going to come here and present an enormous challenge, particularly off the back of their impressive win last weekend. They are extremely physical and play some exciting rugby with ball in hand.
“We’ll need to be at our very best right the way through to the final whistle.”
Aside from Pollard, the pack remains unchanged, with Tom Hooper keeping his place at blindside flanker and Rory Scott at openside. The pair made 40 tackles between them against the Blues last weekend.
David Feliuai also retains the number 12 jersey after a composed debut, alongside Len Ikitau in the centres, with the back three staying as is in the shape of Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright.
Flanker Luke Reimer is set to win his 50th Brumbies cap off the bench, having scored two tries against the Drua in Round 1 in Suva.
2025 Smartech Super Rugby Pacific Round 5 – Friday 14th March (7.35pm AEDT)
The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Fijian Drua
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Starting XV
- James Slipper
- Billy Pollard*
- Allan Alaalatoa
- Nick Frost
- Lachie Shaw
- Tom Hooper
- Rory Scott
- Charlie Cale
- Ryan Lonergan*
- Noah Lolesio*
- Corey Toole
- David Feliuai
- Len Ikitau
- Andy Muirhead
- Tom Wright
Finishers:
- Lachlan Lonergan
- Blake Schoupp
- Feao Fotuaika
- Cadeyrn Neville
- Luke Reimer
- Harrison Goddard
- Declan Meredith
- Ollie Sapsford
Injury list:
Short-term
- Rob Valetini (hamstring tear) – timeline TBC
Long-term
- Tevita Alatini (knee – ACL reconstruction rehabilitation)
- Ben O’Donnell (hamstring operation)
- Harry Vella (knee – ACL reconstruction rehabilitation)
- Tuiana Taii Tualima (dengue)
