The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have named an unchanged starting selection for this Friday’s Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific round seven clash against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Wallabies lock Cadeyrn Neville’s inclusion for his 100th Super Rugby appearance headlines head coach Stephen Larkham’s selection, with rising hooker Billy Pollard included in the Brumbies gameday squad for the first time this season.
James Slipper continues at loosehead prop after scoring two tries in the Brumbies 40-36 win over the NSW Waratahs last time out, the veteran forming the front row with Lachlan Lonergan at hooker and captain Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead.
Neville will partner Nick Frost in the second row, with Rob Valetini, Rory Scott and Pete Samu starting in the backrow.
Nic White and Noah Lolesio will continue to steer the Brumbies attack in the halves inside Tamati Tua and Len Ikitau who combine in the midfield.
The dangerous back-three of Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright run-on for sixth occasion this season so far.
Pollard is joined by Blake Schoupp and Rhys Van Nek in the finishing front row, Schoupp having been included in Eddie Jones’ first Wallabies squad earlier this week.
Darcy Swain will provide quality impact to the second row with Luke Reimer back in the Brumbies squad after resting in round six.
Ryan Lonergan and Jack Debreczeni continue to provide match-winning spark as the finishing halves, with Ben O’Donnell completing the matchday 23 after an excellent stint off the bench against the Waratahs.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: “We’re pleased to be in a position to pick a settled team this week and to be able to bring Billy and Darcy back onto the bench.”
“It’s always a special game for us against the Reds up in Brisbane, we’ve got Nev’s 100th as well so there’s a buzz in the group and we’re looking forward to the challenge against a really good side.”
SAFEGUARD GLOBAL ACT BRUMBIES ROUND SEVEN TEAM
1. James Slipper, Queanbeyan Whites
2. Lachlan Lonergan, Tuggeranong Vikings
3. Allan Alaalatoa, Uni-Norths Owls
4. Nick Frost, Queanbeyan Whites
5. Cadeyrn Neville, Uni-Norths Owls*
6. Rob Valetini, Western Districts Lions
7. Rory Scott, Canberra Royals
8. Pete Samu, Gungahlin Eagles
9. Nic White, Queanbeyan Whites
10. Noah Lolesio, Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Corey Toole, Gungahlin Eagles
12. Tamati Tua, Queanbeyan Whites
13. Len Ikitau, Tuggeranong Vikings
14. Andy Muirhead, Canberra Royals
15. Tom Wright, Western Districts Lions
REPLACEMENTS
16. Billy Pollard, Uni-Norths Owls
17. Blake Schoupp, Gungahlin Eagles
18. Rhys Van Nek, Uni-Norths Owls
19. Darcy Swain, Tuggeranong Vikings
20. Luke Reimer, Western Districts Lions
21. Ryan Lonergan, Tuggeranong Vikings
22. Jack Debreczeni, Uni-Norths Owls
23. Ben O'Donnell, Western Districts Lions
*Denotes potential 100th Super Rugby Pacific cap
