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Brumbies make multiple changes to First XV with Darcy Swain named captain
By Finn Morton
After ending an 11-year drought in Dunedin with a win over the Highlanders on Saturday, the Brumbies will look to make it three wins on the trot against Moana Pasifika in Canberra.
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Coach Stephen Larkham has made seven changes to the Brumbies’ starting side, including some forced with Andy Muirhead (knee), Len Ikitau (knee) and Black Schoupp (shoulder) picking up injuries in round four.
The new-look Brumbies side will be captained by Darcy Swain, who is set to pack down alongside the always-reliable Cadeyrn Neville in the second row. Swain will lead the Brumbies into battle for the first time in his career.
Canberra Royal’s Harry Vella will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut at loosehead prop, and joins Billy Pollard and Sosefo Kautai in a menacing combination from number one to three.
Wallaby Rob Valetini shifts to blindside flanker, with Jahrome Brown on the openside and Charlie Cale out the back of the scrum.
Former LA Giltinis and Waratahs halfback Harrison Goddard will start in the No. 9 jersey will start in the No. 9 jersey for the first time in Canberra and joins Wallaby Noah Lolesio in the halves.
Tamati Tua holds his place at inside centre while Hudson Creighton comes into the starting side to replace the injury Len Ikitau.
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Utility Ollie Sapsford replaces Andy Muirhead on one wing, with in-form Corey Toole on the other and Tom Wright out the back.
Wallabies Lachlan Lonergan, Nic Frost and Tom Hooper are among those named to come off the pine for the Brumbies on Friday evening.
Brumbies team to take on Moana Pasifika
- Harry Vella
- Billy Pollard
- Sosefo Kautai
- Darcy Swain (c)
- Cadeyrn Neville
- Rob Valetini
- Jahrome Brown
- Charlie Cale
- Harrison Goddard
- Noah Lolesio
- Corey Toole
- Tamati Tua
- Hudson Creighton
- Ollie Sapsford
- Tom Wright
Reserves
- Lachlan Lonergan
- James Slipper
- Rhys Van Nek
- Nick Frost
- Tom Hooper
- Luke Reimer
- Ryan Lonergan
- Declan Meredith
