Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Wallaby Noah Lolesio returns for Brumbies’ crucial Crusaders showdown

Noah Lolesio of the Brumbies scores a try during the round 11 Super Rugby Pacific match between Melbourne Rebels and ACT Brumbies at AAMI Park, on May 07, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Wallabies fly-half Noah Lolesio is back for the ACT Brumbies, named in the starting side to take on the Crusaders in a massive Super Rugby Pacific showdown in the capital. Lolesio was stretchered off the field away to the Force in round 13 but returns for this key clash.

ADVERTISEMENT

With the third-placed Brumbies hosting the second-placed Crusaders at GIO Stadium, whoever wins this match will place inside the top two going into the playoffs. If the ladder-leading Chiefs lose to the Highlanders, either the Brumbies or Crusaders will finish first overall.

That’s what makes the return of Lolesio so significant, with the Wallaby bringing a wealth of skill, leadership and experience to this star-studded lineup. Declan Meredith stepped up as the Brumbies’ No. 10 against the Reds a fortnight ago, but will now come off the bench.

Video Spacer
Video Spacer

Prop Feao Fotuaika and backrower Tuaina Taii Tualima are also back in the run-on side, while Tom Hooper shifts to the second row. The rest of the team remains consistent, with the Brumbies looking for a statement win after their bye week.

“We know the importance of finishing in the top two and securing that home semi-final, it puts you in a better position to go deep into the competition. However, we know there is still a lot of work to do before then,” Larkham said in a statement.

“The Crusaders have improved on their consistency from last year. They’ve had a few changes in terms of guys coming back from injury and performing. We’ll see a settled team and they’ll be trying to prepare a team that will see them all the way through the finals.”

Highly experienced prop James Slipper will join Billy Pollard and Fotuaika in the front row, while Nick Frost and Hooper are the two locks. Rob Valetini will pack down at blindside flanker, with Rory Scott at openside, and Taii Tualima at No. 8.

ADVERTISEMENT

In the backs, Ryan Lonergan will link up with Lolesio, while David Feliuai joins Wallaby Len Ikitau in the midfield. As always, the outside backs practically pick themselves. Corey Toole and Andy Muirhead are the two wings, while Tom Wright starts at fullback once again.

This match at Canberra’s GIO Stadium will get underway at 7:35 pm on Friday night.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins
1
Draws
0
Wins
4
Average Points scored
27
32
First try wins
40%
Home team wins
60%

ACT Brumbies to take on Crusaders

  1. James Slipper
  2. Billy Pollard
  3. Feao Fotuaika *
  4. Nick Frost
  5. Tom Hooper
  6. Rob Valetini
  7. Rory Scott
  8. Tuaina Taii Tualima*
  9. Ryan Lonergan
  10. Noah Lolesio*
  11. Corey Toole
  12. David Feliuai
  13. Len Ikitau
  14. Andy Muirhead
  15. Tom Wright

Finishers:

16. Lachlan Lonergan

17. Lington Ieli

18. Rhys van Nek

19. Lachlan Shaw

20. Luke Reimer*

21. Harrison Goddard

22. Declan Meredith

23. Ollie Sapsford

ADVERTISEMENT

Download the RugbyPass app now!

News, stats, live rugby and more! Download the new RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now!

ADVERTISEMENT

England XV v France XV | Full Match Replay

South Africa v British & Irish Lions | 1997 | Second Test | The Vaults

"The Opportunity Of A Lifetime" | Wallabies All In: Episode 1

Are these the best ever Lions performances?

Pollock Loses Bill, Players Meet Their Roommates & Training in Portugal | Ep 1: The Ultimate Test

Top 10 inspiring Lions speeches

United States of Rugby | Episode 1 – Welcome to Dawgtown

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

H
Hammer Head 22 minutes ago
Can the All Blacks regain their aura and maintain their winning legacy?

New Zealanders, on account of what they have seen from the All Blacksover an inordinately long period, have developed a rigid of set expectations.


NZ has done better than a 75% win ratio in just one year of the last six (2021). 41 weeks at world number one?


The great, largely anomalous, team of 2010 - 2016 has created a rod for the backs of all future AB teams.

15 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ Ben Kay: 'I get the feeling Aussie pundits have no idea how much the game has changed in the Northern Hemisphere.' Ben Kay: 'I get the feeling Aussie pundits have no idea how much the game has changed in the Northern Hemisphere.'
Search