Brumbies make three changes for ‘physical test’ against Moana Pasifika

ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has made three changes to the team for this weekend’s match against Moana Pasifika at Pukekohe’s Navigation Homes Stadium.

Following their round nine 39-26 win over the Queensland Reds in Brisbane, the Brumbies sit in third place on the ladder with the playoffs right around the corner.

Anticipating a tough challenge up front, Larkham has brought prop Rhys van Nek and Wallaby Lachlan Lonergan into the starting side, where they’ll join captain Allan Alaalatoa in the front row. New Zealand-born Ollie Sapsford also comes into the run-on side at outside centre.

Rounding out the tight five are locks Nick Frost and Tom Hooper, with the latter standing out as one of the front-runners in Player of the Year voting to date. Rob Valetini, Rory Scott and Tuaina Taii Tualima complete the starting pack as the three loose forwards.

“We are rotating our forward pack due to a couple of injuries from last weekend’s game against the Reds, which was extremely physical. We are expecting another physical test against Moana this weekend,” Larkham said.

In the backline, vice-captain Ryan Lonergan and Noah Lolesio will link up in the halves once again, with both playmakers impressing in the win over the Reds. David Feliuai joins Sapsford in the midfield, with Wallaby Len Ikitau unavailable.

The outside backs seem to pick themselves at this point with Corey Toole on the left edge, Andy Muirhead on the right, and Wallaby Tom Wright out the back. On the bench, flyhalf Declan Meredith will look to provide impact – fresh off signing a contract extension.

Wallaby Luke Reimer is being medically managed so won’t take the field this weekend. Jack Debreczeni is the other Brumby ruled out with a short-term injury, while another six players have been deemed unavailable with longer term injuries.

ACT Brumbies to take on Moana Pasifika

1. Rhys van Nek
2. Lachlan Lonergan
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)
4. Nick Frost
5. Tom Hooper
6. Rob Valetini
7. Rory Scott
8. Tuaina Taii Tualima
9. Ryan Lonergan (vc)
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Corey Toole
12. David Feliuai
13. Ollie Sapsford
14. Andy Muirhead (vc)
15. Tom Wright

Replacements

16. Billy Pollard

17. James Slipper

18. Feao Fotuaika

19. Lachlan Shaw

20. Cadeyrn Neville

21. Harrison Goddard

22. Declan Meredith

23. Hudson Creighton