The stage is set for what shapes as the mother of all battles this weekend, as the ACT Brumbies return home to face the Western Force in a clash with major season implications.
Head Coach Stephen Larkham, today named his side to face the team from across the Nullarbor, making five key changes to his matchday 23.
Falling on the eve of Mother’s Day, the occasion is a chance to celebrate the mothers who form the backbone of the rugby community, while also recognising the unwavering support of the Brumbies faithful in the club’s Member Appreciation Game — a tribute to those who stand by the team through every high and low.
When these sides last met in Round 1, the Brumbies delivered a statement performance, dismantling the Force 56–24. A result that ignited a barnstorming start to the season. Now, with finals looming, the men from the Capital will be hoping to go back-to-back against their Western rivals and spark a strong run home.
Leading that charge is the return of Allan Alaalatoa, back in the starting XV and straight into the front row. A towering presence, Alaalatoa brings steel and leadership at a crucial juncture. He packs down alongside James Slipper and Lachlan Lonergan in a front three stacked with experience.
Behind them, the second and back row remain unchanged, signalling consistency not reinvention. Nick Frost and Lachlan Shaw continue their locking partnership, while Rob Valetini, Rory Scott and Toby Macpherson are primed to willingly throw their well nourished shoulders into the melee of Force jerseys. The Brumbies’ lineout proved a genuine weapon in their last outing, and the piggies will be relishing that challenge once more.
In the halves, Captain Ryan Lonergan and Declan Meredith continue to build a promising combination, growing in cohesion week by week. On the edges, Corey Toole brings blistering speed, while Ollie Sapsford shapes for a big-on-big showdown with his opposite, former NRL recruit Zac Lomax.
In the centres, Hudson Creighton earns his first start of the season at outside centre, linking up with David Feliuai who had a belter of a game with ball in hand last week. The silky skilled Tom Wright continues his return to form at the back.
The bench carries its own compelling storyline. Local club standout Chris Mickelson is on the brink of a dream debut. After claiming the Macdougall Medal and leading the Uni North Owls to a long-awaited premiership, he now stands one step away from pulling on a Brumbies jersey for the first time.
There’s also a milestone waiting to unfold, with Rhys van Nek poised to bring up his 50th Super Rugby cap when he enters the fray — a testament to his consistency and impact in the Brumbies system.
With a powerful mix of experience, emerging talent, and emotional fuel, the ingredients are all there. On a weekend dedicated to appreciation — of members and of mothers — the Brumbies have the opportunity to deliver a gift to all Brumbies fans.
Be there on Saturday for the mother of all battles, buy your tickets today!
