Brumbies eager to strike against revamped Highlanders

Wed, Mar 13, 2024, 4:18 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

ACT Brumbies fullback Tom Wright hopes a trip to Dunedin can spark the side as they prepare to face the Highlanders on Saturday.

The Brumbies are yet to find their best form, grinding their way to victory over the Western Force as they tweak their style.

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"We probably haven't been able to get it on the park exactly the way we're envisioning it and trying to get it together, but change is as good as a holiday," Wright said to reporters.

"We've seen a little bit of success, we haven't gone all the way to the big dance, but we've seen success through doing things in the Brumbies way for the five seasons I've been here so far.

"Change has to come into that, if we're not looking to change things or tweak little things as part of that, then that next step isn't going to just happen for us."

Coach Stephen Larkham has changed his tight-five with Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp and Cadeyrn Neville elevated to the starting side.

Pollard and Schoupp were influential in their second-half comeback whilst Neville was a late withdrawal last weekend due to a head knock.

They face a Highlanders side that has made significant changes, most notably the loss of captain Hugh Renton.

Renton, who sustained a high ankle injury in the previous week’s win over the Waratahs, will miss the next six weeks.

Jona Nareki and Rhys Patchell will not feature, allowing Jack Taylor, Cameron Millar, and Martín Bogado to start in their first game of the year.

Wright remains on guard after a wild start to the season, which has seen several shocking results and upsets.

"It's exciting. It means every week when you roll in there's no opportunity to just glide through the week," Wright said.

"The Rebels on the weekend go over and do a job on Moana over there, tough conditions again. They fly in, fly out.

"There's always this opportunity of two teams on a high meeting, or you're going to meet a team who just got dusted the week before and you're on a high. It just means you've got to be on your toes."

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