The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have named a settled lineup for this Sunday’s Super Round headliner against the Blues at 2pm, with former Auckland centre Tamati Tua named to start against his former club.
James Slipper returns at loosehead alongside Lachlan Lonergan who is fit to play after being a late withdrawal in round one. Allan Alaalatoa will lead the team from tighthead prop, his 40th game as Brumbies captain.
Nick Frost continues in the second row beside Cadeyrn Neville, the 23-year-old having being named Rugby Australia Rookie of the Year for 2022 earlier this week.
The backrow of Rob Valetini, Rory Scott and Pete Samu is retained from round one.
Ryan Lonergan and Jack Debreczeni will start in the halves after steering the Brumbies attack brilliantly in Sydney, with Len Ikitau occupying the outside-centre channel outside with Tua inside at 12.
Wagga Wagga product Corey Toole keeps his spot in the starting side after a stellar debut in Sydney, with Andy Muirhead on the other flank and Tom Wright at fullback.
John Ulugia proved class is permanent off the bench last week in Sydney with a 70-minute cameo and is named to cover at hooker this week with the impressive duo of Blake Schoupp and Rhys Van Nek bringing impact at prop.
Darcy Swain and Luke Reimer will bring plenty of energy at lock and backrow respectively, with Nic White and Noah Lolesio adding exceptional quality as the finishing halves pairing.
Ollie Sapsford completes the Brumbies matchday squad.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: “It’s great for us to be in a position to have some continuity this early in the season and to reward some excellent performances in round one.”
“The recent history of this game is obvious, there’s been an edge about us this week which I’ve liked and we’re going down to Melbourne excited for the challenge.”
SAFEGUARD GLOBAL ACT BRUMBIES SUPER ROUND TEAM
1. James Slipper, Queanbeyan Whites
2. Lachlan Lonergan, Tuggeranong Vikings
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c), Uni-Norths Owls
4. Nick Frost, Queanbeyan Whites
5. Cadeyrn Neville, Uni-Norths Owls
6. Rob Valetini, Western District Lions
7. Rory Scott, Canberra Royals
8. Pete Samu, Gungahlin Eagles
9. Ryan Lonergan, Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Jack Debreczeni, Uni-Norths Owls
11. Corey Toole, Gungahlin Eagles
12. Tamati Tua, Queanbeyan Whites
13. Len Ikitau, Tuggeranong Vikings
14. Andy Muirhead, Canberra Royals
15. Tom Wright, Western District Lions
REPLACEMENTS
16. John Ulugia, Tuggeranong Vikings
17. Blake Schoupp, Gungahlin Eagles
18. Rhys Van Nek, Uni-Norths Owls
19. Darcy Swain, Tuggeranong Vikings
20. Luke Reimer, Western District Lions
21. Nic White, Queanbeyan Whites
22. Noah Lolesio, Tuggeranong Vikings
23. Ollie Sapsford, Uni-Norths Owls
