Brumbies have unveiled their side to tackle the Blues in Auckland for their Super Rugby Pacific Semi-Final match this Friday, June 14 at Eden Park, kicking off at 5:05PM AEST.
Moving into the second week of finals after a strong 32-16 Quarter-Final win against the Highlanders, Brumbies Head Coach Stephen Larkham has welcomed back some personnel into the match day squad.
Prop James Slipper returns after being sidelined with a calf injury suffered in the club’s Round 13 fixture against the Rebels. He has been named to join the starting line-up with Rory Scott at flanker, while the bench takes has been tweaked for this Friday’s clash.
Partnering Slipper in the front row is captain Allan Alaalatoa who will also pack in alongside Billy Pollard fresh off his try-double in the Quarter-Final. Darcy Swain will partner Tom Hooper at lock, with Rory Scott rounding out the back-row with Rob Valentini at blindside flanker and Charlie Cale and No.8.
Larkham boasts an unchanged backline as Ryan Lonergan and Noah Lolesio look to guide the team around the park once again. Lining up in the midfield will be a duo of Tamati Tua and Len Ikitau, while the wings will consist of Corey Toole and Andy Muirhead. Tom Wright will look to continue his great form, completing the backline at fullback.
The Brumbies have opted to carry an extra forward as Liam Bowron, Rhys Van Nek, Sosefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Jahrome Brown and Luke Reimer all take their places in the game day 23. Rounding out the side in the remaining bench positions will be Harrison Goddard and Ollie Sapsford who both retain their spots after last weekend’s Quarter-Final.
2024 Super Rugby Pacific – Semi Final
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies v Blues
Friday 14 June, 5:05PM AEST
Eden Park, Auckland
Starting XV
- James Slipper (Queanbeyan Whites)
- Billy Pollard (Uni-Norths Owls)
- Allan Alaalatoa (c) (Uni-Norths Owls)
- Darcy Swain (Tuggeranong Vikings)
- Tom Hooper (Tuggeranong Vikings)
- Rob Valetini (Western Districts)
- Rory Scott (Canberra Royals)
- Charlie Cale (Uni-North Owls)
- Ryan Lonergan (Tuggeranong Vikings)
- Noah Lolesio (Tuggeranong Vikings)
- Corey Toole (Gungahlin Eagles)
- Tamati Tua (Queanbeyan Whites)
- Len Ikitau (Tuggeranong Vikings)
- Andy Muirhead (Canberra Royals)
- Tom Wright (Western Districts)
Finishers
16. Liam Bowron (Canberra Royals)
17. Rhys van Nek (Uni-Norths Owls)
18. Sosefo Kautai (Canberra Royals)
19. Nick Frost (Queanbeyan Whites)
20. Jahrome Brown (Gungahlin Eagles)
21. Luke Reimer (Western Districts)
22. Harrison Goddard (Queanbeyan Whites)
23. Ollie Sapsford (Uni-Norths Owls)
Head Coach
Stephen Larkham
