The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies side has been named for Saturday's Round 6 Super Rugby Pacific fixture against the Queensland Reds, kicking off at 7:35PM AEDT at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
The Brumbies produced a strong performance last Friday evening at GIO Stadium, running in nine tries in a 60-21 win over Moana Pasifika in Round 5.
Traveling north to face the 5th-placed Reds, the match between the current highest placed Australian sides in the competition will hold extra weight as both teams battle for the Rod Macqueen Cup. Current holders, the Brumbies retaining the silverware last year with a 52-24 win at Suncorp Stadium.
Head Coach Stephen Larkham has tweaked his side to tackle the Reds, with James Slipper and Lachlan Lonergan returning to the starting line-up to pack down in the front row, alongside Sosefo Kautai.
Slipper, Australia's longest serving prop, will also tie Stephen Moore's Super Rugby record for most caps by an Australian with 177 appearances, when he takes to the field on Saturday evening.
Darcy Swain, who lead the side for the first time last week will combine with Cadeyrn Neville at lock. Charlie Cale made a successful return from injury last week with a try, named to start in the back row with Rob Valetini and Jahrome Brown.
Ryan Lonergan will captain the side, pairing with Noah Lolesio in the backline. Hudson Creighton enjoyed his first outing for 2024, scoring a double against Moana Pasifika. The outside centre will start once again with Tamati Tua, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford and Tom Wright in the backs.
The Brumbies have named a strong bench, Billy Pollard, recent debutant Harry Vella and Rhys Van Nek providing cover for our front row stocks. Wallaby representative's Nick Frost and Tom Hooper will provide plenty of power off the bench together with Luke Reimer. Larkham again opting for a 6-2 split, naming Harrison Goddard and Declan Meredith to cover the backs.
The Brumbies Super Rugby Women’s side take on the Queensland Reds before the Super Rugby Pacific fixture, kicking off at 5:05PM AEDT. With the Super Rugby Pacific clash taking place from 7:35PM AEDT.
2024 Super Rugby Pacific – Round 6
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds
Saturday 30 March, 7:35PM AEDT
Starting XV
- James Slipper (Queanbeyan Whites)
- Lachlan Lonergan (Tuggeranong Vikings)
- Sosefo Kautai (Canberra Royals)
- Darcy Swain (Tuggeranong Vikings)
- Cadeyrn Neville (Uni-Norths Owls)
- Rob Valetini (Western Districts)
- Jahrome Brown (Gungahlin Eagles)
- Charlie Cale (Uni-North Owls)
- Ryan Lonergan (C) (Tuggeranong Vikings)
- Noah Lolesio (Tuggeranong Vikings)
- Corey Toole (Gungahlin Eagles)
- Tamati Tua (Queanbeyan Whites)
- Hudson Creighton (Queanbeyan Whites)
- Ollie Sapsford (Uni-Norths Owls)
- Tom Wright (Western Districts)
Finishers
16. Billy Pollard (Uni-Norths Owls)
17. Harry Vella (Canberra Royals)
18. Rhys Van Nek (Uni-Norths Owls)
19. Nick Frost (Queanbeyan Whites)
20. Tom Hooper (Tuggeranong Vikings)
21. Luke Reimer (Western Districts)
22. Harrison Goddard (Queanbeyan Whites)
23. Declan Meredith (Western Districts)
Head Coach
Stephen Larkham
