The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies make six changes for Round Two of Smartech Super Rugby Pacific as they welcome the Western Force to GIO Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 7.35pm).
Wallabies James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Charlie Cale, Len Ikitau and Tom Wright return to the starting lineup to make their first appearance this season. They were all rested for last weekend’s groundbreaking 36-32 victory over the Drua in Suva, where the Brumbies became the first Australian team to win a Super Rugby fixture in Fiji at the first attempt.
Fly half Declan Meredith also comes in to make his first start in Super Rugby, having previously made three appearances off the bench.
Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham credited the depth of his squad after the landmark win in Fiji and was under no illusions about the challenge Saturday’s fixture will present.
“The selection for this weekend has been a bit of a headache after the Drua result. Everyone who came into the side for Fiji stepped up to the plate and delivered. It’s pleasing to have boys at our disposal that can come in and do a job for us,” Larkham said.
“However, it’s obviously fantastic to have the Wallabies back in our team. They bring with them vast experience and expertise at this level.
“We know of the huge task at hand on Saturday against the Force. They started off with a win last weekend and gave us a good game in our Trial at Marist College in Canberra, particularly in the first half. Our preparation has been, and will be, extremely thorough this week.”
Slipper and Alaalatoa add an enormous amount of experience to the front row, with Slipper set for his 184th cap in Super Rugby and Alaalatoa his 133rd. The Samoan-born prop will make his 53rd appearance as club captain and will receive a special presentation after the game, having overtaken defence coach Ben Mowen’s previous record as the most capped Brumbies Captain during the semi-final defeat to the Blues in Auckland last year.
After an impressive Spring Tour, lock Frost will be eager to make an impact on home soil, while in the backrow, Cale comes back into the side at number eight for his first appearance of the season after shoulder surgery in the off-season. Rory Scott moves to blindside flanker.
Meredith, who plays his club rugby for Wests Lions, had an excellent pre-season and gets his first chance in a Brumbies jersey from kick-off. There is a shuffle in the backline, with Ollie Sapsford moving to inside centre and Andy Muirhead to right wing. Ikitau and Wright will therefore get their first starts of 2025 at outside centre and fullback. Both were a key part of the Wallabies’ victories against England and Wales towards the end of last year.
Jack Debreczeni also comes onto the bench, with the possibility of making his first competitive Brumbies appearance this season.
Round Two, 2025 Super Rugby Pacific – Saturday 22nd February (7.35pm AEDT)
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Western Force
GIO Stadium, Bruce, Canberra
Starting XV
- James Slipper*
- Billy Pollard
- Allan Alaalatoa* (c)
- Nick Frost*
- Tom Hooper
- Rory Scott
- Luke Reimer
- Charlie Cale*
- Ryan Lonergan
- Declan Meredith**
- Corey Toole
- Ollie Sapsford
- Len Ikitau*
- Andy Muirhead
- Tom Wright*
Finishers:
- Lachlan Lonergan
- Blake Schoupp
- Rhys van Nek
- Lachlan Shaw
- Tuaina Taii Tualima
- Harrison Goddard
- Jack Debreczeni*
- Hudson Creighton
* In line to play their first Super Rugby game for 2025
** First start in Super Rugby
Injury list:
Short-term
- Feao Fotuaika (ankle injury, expected back Round Three)
- Noah Lolesio (graduated return to play, concussion – expected back Round Three)
- David Feliuai (dislocated finger – timeline TBC)
- 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)
