White, Neville return for Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies

Wed, May 31, 2023, 2:02 AM
Brumbies.rugby
by Brumbies.rugby
Photo: Getty
Photo: Getty

Halfback Nic White will captain the Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies in his final regular season game for the club, with Cadeyrn Neville returning at lock for Friday night's game against the Melbourne Rebels.

 

Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham has made eight changes to his starting selection, with captain Allan Alaalatoa set to be ruled out for an extended period through injury.

 

Queanbeyan Whites loosehead prop Fred Kaihea earns his first Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific start with Connal McInerney and Sefo Kautai forming the front row.

 

Neville will partner Nick Frost in the second row with Tom Hooper's shift to blindside seeing Rob Valetini wear the eight jersey. Jahrome Brown continues at openside flanker.

 

White and Jack Debreczeni will combine in the halves, with Noah Lolesio not risked after experiencing concussion symptoms following last Saturday's game against the Chiefs.

 

Ollie Sapsford and Len Ikitau start in the midfield, with Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright continuing their partnership in the back-three.

 

Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp and Rhys Van Nek is the finishing front-row trio, with Pete Samu named in the finishers for what will be his 100th Super Rugby appearance.

 

Luke Reimer will bring plenty of energy to the backrow, with Ryan Lonergan, Tamati Tua and Jesse Mogg named as the spark in the backs.

 

Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: "It's great for us to have Nic and Cadeyrn back, especially with Allan likely to miss some time through injury."

 

"Family comes first for the club and after welcoming his first child, Slips needed to be with his family this week and it's a fantastic opportunity for Fred to get his first start.

 

"Friday night's an important game for us, a special night for Pete on his 100th, and we'll recognise the contribution of our departing players and staff but the first job is to perform for our home crowd and that's our focus."

 

 

SAFEGUARD GLOBAL ACT BRUMBIES ROUND 15 TEAM

 

1. Fred Kaihea, Queanbeyan Whites

 

2. Connal McInerney, Canberra Royals

 

3. Sefo Kautai, Canberra Royals

 

4. Nick Frost, Queanbeyan Whites

 

5. Cadeyrn Neville, Uni-Norths Owls

 

6. Tom Hooper, Tuggeranong Vikings

 

7. Jahrome Brown, Gungahlin Eagles

 

8. Rob Valetini, Western District Lions

 

9. Nic White (C), Queanbeyan Whites

 

10. Jack Debreczeni, Uni-Norths Owls

 

11. Corey Toole, Gungahlin Eagles

 

12. Ollie Sapsford, Uni-Norths Owls

 

13. Len Ikitau, Tuggeranong Vikings

 

14. Andy Muirhead, Canberra Royals

 

15. Tom Wright, Western District Lions

 

 

REPLACEMENTS

 

 

16. Billy Pollard, Uni-Norths Owls

 

17. Blake Schoupp, Gungahlin Eagles

 

18. Rhys Van Nek, Uni-Norths Owls

 

19. Pete Samu, Gungahlin Eagles

 

20. Luke Reimer, Western Districts Lions

 

21. Ryan Lonergan, Tuggeranong Vikings

 

22. Tamati Tua, Queanbeyan Whites

 

23. Jesse Mogg, Western District Lions

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