The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies make five changes for Friday night’s Round 4 fixture against the Blues at Eden Park (kick-off 7.35pm NZDT, 5.35pm AEDT).
David Feliuai, who joined the club in the off-season from the Melbourne Rebels, is named at inside centre in what is set to be his first appearance for the club.
Lachlan Lonergan, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper and Harrison Goddard also come into the starting lineup following the 49-34 defeat to the Chiefs in Round 3, with Lonergan and Goddard making their first starts of the season.
Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham is looking forward to the challenge the Blues will present this week. With the short turnaround between the Chiefs and Blues matches, the team has stayed in New Zealand to prepare for Friday night's encounter.
“We know what to expect from the Blues, they are one of the best rugby teams in the world and last year’s competition winners. They may have had a tough start to the competition, but they showed what they are capable of in last weekend’s win against the Hurricanes,” Larkham said.
“It’s made a huge difference not to have to do two trips back and forth from Canberra. We spent a few days in Hamilton after the game on Saturday, so the boys were able to recover before making the short trip to Auckland yesterday.
“We’ve had more time to look into last weekend’s loss against the Chiefs and have given ourselves the best possible preparation for the Blues.”
Lonergan is set to win his 50th cap for the club at hooker, having made his debut against the Chiefs in Hamilton in 2020.
Hooper is recalled after graduating from the return to play protocol following the Round 2 fixture against the Western Force. While Feliuai returns to action after dislocating his finger in a Trial match vs the Force at Marist College last month.
Prop Feao Fotuaika also comes onto the bench after missing the previous two matches due to an ankle problem.
2025 Smartech Super Rugby Pacific Round 4 – Saturday 8th March (7.35pm NZDT, 5.35pm AEDT) The Blues vs Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand Starting XV
- James Slipper
- Lachlan Lonergan**
- Allan Alaalatoa
- Nick Frost
- Lachlan Shaw
- Tom Hooper
- Rory Scott
- Charlie Cale
- Harrison Goddard
- Declan Meredith
- Corey Toole
- David Feliuai*
- Len Ikitau
- Andy Muirhead
- Tom Wright
Finishers:
- Billy Pollard
- Blake Schoupp
- Feao Fotuaika
- Cadeyrn Neville
- Luke Reimer
- Ryan Lonergan
- Jack Debreczeni
- Ollie Sapsford
*denotes club debut **denotes 50th appearance for the Brumbies
Injury list:
Short-term
- Noah Lolesio (concussion) - has completed graded return to play protocol
- Rob Valetini (hamstring tear) – timeline TBC
Long-term
- Tevita Alatini (knee - ACL reconstruction rehabilitation)
- Ben O’Donnell (hamstring operation)
- Harry Vella (knee - ACL reconstruction rehabilitation)
- Tuaina Taii Tualima (dengue) - timeline TBC
