The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have named an unchanged 23 for Saturday’s huge semi-final against the Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato (kick-off 5.05pm AEST/7.05pm NZST).
This follows the 35-28 win against the Hurricanes at GIO Stadium at the weekend and is the first time this season that head coach Stephen Larkham hasn’t tinkered with the run-on team or the bench.
Larkham praised his side for enabling consistency in selection and he anticipates a fantastic atmosphere at FMG Stadium Waikato for this semi-final clash.
“The boys are peaking at the right time. I thought they played really well on the weekend,” Larkham said.
“The selection is based on performance, but we also certainly want continuity going into the finals. And it's a nice to have at this stage of the season.
“We'll make sure that we keep our emotions in check this week. The boys can get a lot of confidence out of the way that we're playing. There's a lot of stats that show that we're playing very good footy and we’ve also shown consistency throughout the season.
“We're certainly expecting a few more people for finals footy on Saturday. We know when we get to Hamilton, they’ll be very loud with the cowbells and they're very passionate about their team over there. It'll be a great atmosphere for both teams to play in front of.”
Captain Allan Alaalatoa scored his eighth try of the season against the Hurricanes, with front row partner Billy Pollard crossing the whitewash twice for his ninth and tenth scores of the season.
A win for the Brumbies would mean they will face the victor of Friday night’s other semi-final in either the Crusaders or the Blues. Should the Crusaders win, the Grand Final would take place at the Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch, but if the Blues emerge victorious, the Brumbies, and GIO Stadium, will host the Grand Final next weekend.
2025 Smartech Super Rugby Pacific semi-final – Saturday 14th June (5.05pm kick-off AEST/7.05pm NZST) Chiefs vs Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton Starting XV
- James Slipper
- Billy Pollard
- Allan Alaalatoa ©
- 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. Harrison Goddard
22. Jack Debreczeni
23. Ollie Sapsford
Injury list:
- Charlie Cale – lower back injury, timeline TBC
- Austin Anderson - Jaw fracture, 2 weeks
- Lachie Hooper – MCL injury, 2 weeks
- Harry Vella – knee injury, timeline TBC
- Blake Schoupp – ruptured achilles, 8+ months
