Brumbies Make 4 Changes To Start Against Drua
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham has named a strong side for Friday night’s clash against the Fijian Drua, with Wallabies lock Darcy Swain earning his first start of the year.
Swain will partner Warringah Rats lock Sam Thomson in the second row, the 29-year-old from Scotland set to make his Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific debut after being an unused substitute against the Waratahs in round six.
Tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa will captain the side for the 42nd time against the Drua, forming an all-international front row with James Slipper and Lachlan Lonergan.
Rob Valetini, Rory Scott and Pete Samu form a familiar looking back row, the trio having started five games together this season so far.
Ryan Lonergan rotates into the starting number nine jersey to partner Noah Lolesio in the halves for the first time this year, with Ollie Sapsford coming into the midfield in-place of Tamati Tua to combine with Len Ikitau.
Ben O’Donnell comes onto the left wing with Corey Toole ruled out, alongside Andy Muirhead on the right flank and Tom Wright at fullback.
Billy Pollard will look to build on his cameo against the Reds at Suncorp Stadium last time out with Blake Schoupp and Rhys Van Nek providing plenty of go-forward as the finishing props.
Nick Frost will cover the second row with Luke Reimer coming on at flanker.
Nic White and Jack Debreczeni are the finishing halves pairing with Wests fullback Declan Meredith looking to make his first appearance at GIO Stadium as the spark in the backline.
Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: “It’s critical we finish this block of the season well and we’re aware the Drua pose a unique threat in this competition so we’ve gone with as strong a line up as we could put out for Friday night.”
“Our locks have put in some really big minutes over the first seven rounds so we had to freshen them up but we won’t lose anything with Darcy coming and we’ve got full confidence in Sam to execute his role for us.”
Source: Brumbies
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
