Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa has been named in the starting lineup for Saturday’s qualifying final against the Hurricanes at GIO Stadium (kick-off 7.35pm).
Alaalatoa missed the Round 16 tie against the Crusaders due to a calf strain but has returned to fitness to take his place in the side.
The importance of the tighthead prop’s presence in the team was not lost on head coach Stephen Larkham, with the rest of the lineup remaining unchanged for Saturday’s encounter.
“Allan got through his rehab well and was back to full training last week, before our game against Crusaders. He's had a good week so far,” Larkham said.
“He’s ticked everything off in terms of all the markers with his strength, running and contact, so he’s ready to go. He's always been an outstanding rugby player, but the leadership qualities that he brings to the team, the confidence that he gives the other players is certainly something that we're going to benefit from this weekend.”
Feao Fotuaika gives way to the bench, after his first start and try for the club in last Friday’s 33-31 loss to the Crusaders.
After being named in the Smartech Super Rugby Pacific team of the year on Monday, Alaalatoa and Tom Hooper will be hoping to impress further on Saturday night. While Billy Pollard will start again at hooker, after signing a new deal with the club until the end of 2027 earlier in the week. He will be looking to add to his tally of eight tries in this year’s competition.
On the subject of being involved in the last qualifying final of the weekend, Larkham insisted his team will be going out to win, regardless of other results across the weekend.
“We may be the last game this weekend, but we've been firm on making sure that we get a good performance out there on the field,” Larkham said.
“Irrespective of the other results, we need to know that we're playing well. The most important thing for us right now is to focus on our preparation, so that we can have our best performance this weekend.
“Either way, we're going out there to try and win the game.”
Tickets for Saturday night’s qualifying final are now on sale here.
2025 Smartech Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final – Saturday 7th June (7.35pm kick-off AEST)
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Hurricanes
GIO Stadium, Canberra
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. Declan Meredith
23. Ollie Sapsford
Injury list:
- Charlie Cale – lower back injury, timeline TBC
- Austin Anderson - Jaw fracture, 2-4 weeks
- Blake Schoupp – ruptured achilles, 8+ months
