The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies make three changes to the team to take on Moana Pasifika at the Navigation Homes Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 2.35pm AEST).
Rhys van Nek, Lachlan Lonergan and Ollie Sapsford come into the side, van Nek for his first start of the season.
Head coach Stephen Larkham explained the switch in personnel in the front row and is aware of the challenge that lies in front of his team this weekend.
“We are rotating our forward pack due to a couple of injuries from last weekend's game against the Reds, which was extremely physical. We are expecting another physical test against Moana this weekend," Larkham said.
Van Nek has made all his appearances this season off the bench and can play any position across the front row, while Lonergan makes his second start of the season.
Aside from the front row, the remainder of the pack is unchanged, with Rob Valetini staying at blindside flanker after a bruising performance last week. Rory Scott is at openside, with Tuaina Taii Tualima at number eight after his first try for the Brumbies last weekend. Sapsford is also the only change in the backs.
Cadeyrn Neville and Hudson Creighton are elevated to the bench, with Lington Ieli and Klayton Thorn travelling extras.
2025 Smartech Super Rugby Pacific Round 10 – Saturday 19th April (2.35pm kick-off AEST)
Moana Pasifika vs Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies
Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
Starting XV:
- Rhys van Nek
- Lachlan Lonergan
- Allan Alaalatoa (c)
- Nick Frost
- Tom Hooper
- Rob Valetini
- Rory Scott
- Tuaina Taii Tualima
- Ryan Lonergan (vc)
- Noah Lolesio
- Corey Toole
- David Feliuai
- Ollie Sapsford
- Andy Muirhead (vc)
- Tom Wright
Finishers:
16. Billy Pollard
17. James Slipper
18. Feao Fotuaika
19. Lachlan Shaw
20. Cadeyrn Neville
21. Harrison Goddard
22. Declan Meredith
23. Hudson Creighton
Travelling extras:
- Lington Ieli
- Klayton Thorn
Injury list:
Short-term:
- Len Ikitau – concussion, RTP Rd 11
- Jack Debreczeni – groin injury, timeline TBC
Long-term:
- Harry Vella – ACL reconstruction rehabilitation, 2-3 weeks
- Kadin Pritchard – grade 1 knee MCL injury, 2-4 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
Medically managed/rested:
- Luke Reimer
