The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have made two changes to their starting lineup for the huge Round 14 clash against the Reds on Saturday at GIO Stadium (kick-off 7.35pm).
Hooker Billy Pollard and fly half Declan Meredith come into the team following the 33-14 victory against the Western Force in Perth last weekend, which moved the Brumbies up into second place in the Smartech Super Rugby Pacific ladder.
Head coach Stephen Larkham stressed the importance of this weekend’s fixture in the context of the qualifying finals of the competition, with the top three teams securing a home fixture for the first round.
“It’s going to be the two best teams in Australia currently going at it on Saturday. All the remaining games for every team are important, as there is still some jostling for a top six position to be done,” Larkham said.
“The Reds are sitting comfortably in that top six and like us, would like to finish as high as possible on the ladder. It gives you the best opportunity to go deep into the finals.
“The Reds have been playing some good rugby this year. They’ve been competitive in every single game and have threats right across the park.”
The Brumbies have named ten players in the squad who either grew up in Queensland or have represented the Reds at some point in their career – James Slipper, Lachie Shaw, Declan Meredith, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Lington Ieli, Rhys van Nek, Tuaina Taii Tualima and Hudson Creighton.
Tom Hooper retains his spot at number eight and will win his 50th cap on Saturday, after his first-ever try for the Brumbies last weekend. Following his ninth try of the season in Perth, wing Corey Toole now sits in second in the try-scoring charts and will be looking to add to his tally here.
Meredith returns to the starting lineup for the first time since the infamous 21-20 win over the Blues in Round 4 at Eden Park.
Larkham praised the Queensland-born fly half, while also providing an update on Noah Lolesio, who exited the field in the first half in Perth following a ruck incident.
“I thought Declan played exceptionally well when he came on against the Force, like he has done for every game in Brumbies colours since he’s been here,” Larkham said.
“He’s had a few opportunities this season, at home against the Force and two games in New Zealand and has been outstanding in all of those. It should put him in a good position for this weekend.
“Noah’s had some CT scans and we’ve been able to clear any serious damage for him. We are taking it day by day at the moment. He is making a good recovery, we hope he will be running by the end of this week and don’t envision him being out for too long.”
Saturday’s Round 14 match will be the second part of a double header, with the Wallaroos taking on the USA Women’s team and Ilona Maher beforehand, kick-off 4.55pm. We encourage fans to turn up early to GIO Stadium to take in all the action. Tickets are available here.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Reds
Saturday 17th May, kick-off 7.35pm, GIO Stadium
Starting XV
- James Slipper
- Billy Pollard*
- Allan Alaalatoa
- Nick Frost
- Lachlan Shaw
- Rob Valetini
- Rory Scott
- Tom Hooper
- Ryan Lonergan
- Declan Meredith*
- Corey Toole
- David Feliuai
- Len Ikitau
- Andy Muirhead
- Tom Wright
Finishers:
16. Lachlan Lonergan
17. Lington Ieli
18. Rhys van Nek
19. Cadeyrn Neville
20. Tuaina Taii Tualima
21. Harrison Goddard
22. Hudson Creighton
23. Ollie Sapsford
Injury list:
Short-term:
- Jack Debreczeni – return to play in 2 weeks (Crusaders, Round 16)
- Luke Reimer – HIA protocols, return to play R16
- Noah Lolesio – undergoing assessments, timeline TBC
Long-term:
- Charlie Cale – lower back injury, timeline 2-3 weeks
- Austin Anderson - jaw fracture, 4-6 weeks
- Tevita Alatini - ACL reconstruction rehabilitation, timeline TBC
- Blake Schoupp – ruptured achilles, 8+ months
