The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have made two changes to the starting XV for their Round 13 clash against the Western Force on Saturday (kick-off 7.35pm AEST) as they chase a top two position in the Smartech Super Rugby Pacific standings.
Hooker Lachlan Lonergan and second row Lachie Shaw come into the lineup, for their first starts since Round 10 and Round 7 respectively. Liam Bowron, Rhys van Nek and Harrison Goddard take their place on the bench, having featured in the Brumby Runners fixture against Hong Kong China last weekend.
Head coach Stephen Larkham insists his team’s attentions are very much centred on the opposition this weekend and highlighted the difficulties of playing the Force on their own patch.
“We’re certainly building towards the finals but we’ve got some way to go before we get there. The focus is very much on the game this weekend against the Western Force and making sure our performance is where it needs to be,” Larkham said.
“Every year we travel to Perth and we have slipped up there over the last couple of years. We’ve seen this year the Force are a much better team than last year, they’ve got some really good players in key positions and they’re putting it together on the field when it matters.”
With Shaw taking his place in the second row, the versatile Tom Hooper shifts to number eight. The backline remains unchanged, with Corey Toole taking his place on the wing. He is the joint second top try scorer in the competition alongside several other players on eight for the season, including teammate Billy Pollard, who is rested this week.
Ollie Sapsford will win his 50th cap for the Brumbies if he takes his place on the field from the bench.
The Brumbies will be looking to exact revenge on the Force, after the 45-42 loss in the reverse fixture in Round 2 at GIO Stadium.
2025 Smartech Super Rugby Pacific Round 13 – Saturday 10th May
Western Force vs Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies
Starting XV
- James Slipper
- Lachlan Lonergan*
- Allan Alaalatoa (c)
- Nick Frost
- Lachlan Shaw*
- Rob Valetini
- Rory Scott
- Tom Hooper
- Ryan Lonergan
- Noah Lolesio
- Corey Toole
- David Feliuai
- Len Ikitau
- Andy Muirhead
- Tom Wright
Finishers:
16. Liam Bowron*
17. Lington Ieli
18. Rhys van Nek*
19. Tuaina Taii Tualima
20. Luke Reimer
21. Harrison Goddard*
22. Declan Meredith
23. Ollie Sapsford
Travelling:
- Klayton Thorn
- Feao Fotuaika
Injury list:
Short-term:
- Jack Debreczeni – return to play, 3 weeks
- Ben O’Donnell – hamstring operation, 1-2 weeks
- Charlie Cale – lower back injury, 3 weeks
Long-term:
- Tevita Alatini - ACL reconstruction rehabilitation, timeline TBC
- Blake Schoupp – ruptured achilles, 8+ months
Rested:
- Billy Pollard
