ACT BRUMBIES vs QUEENSLAND REDS in Canberra, Saturday 7.35pm AEDT
Nic White will captain the unbeaten Brumbies against the Reds after regular skipper Allan Alaalatoa was ruled out with concussion.
White will start at halfback ahead of Ryan Lonergan as one of four changes to Stephen Larkham’s run-on XV.
Noah Lolesio is also promoted ahead of Jack Debreczeni while Rhys van Nek will make his first Super Rugby start at tighthead prop in place of Alaalatoa.
The final change sees Ollie Sapsford replace Tamati Tua at inside centre.
“We’re pleased with the first two weeks and Saturday represents another chance to build into the season,” Larkham said.
“We’ve rotated quality for quality in a couple of areas and we’re confident this is the right group to perform for us on Saturday night. It’s a big game for our organisation, first game as the ACT Brumbies since 2004 at our home ground and we’re tracking for a big crowd so we’re ready to go.”
Meanwhile, Reds coach Brad Thorn has named an unchanged starting XV after last weekend’s 71-20 demolition of the Force in Melbourne.
The only change is on the bench where Connor Vest returns from a thumb injury to replace Connor Anderson.
“They’ve started the season strongly with two good wins,” Thorn said of the Brumbies.
“They’re one of the form sides in the competition and we know we have a tough game in front of us. We’re looking forward to the contest.”
The Reds have won four of their last five matches against the Brumbies.
BRUMBIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Nic White (c), Pete Samu, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Frost, Rhys van Nek, Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper
Reserves: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Tom Ross, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ben O’Donnell
REDS (15-1): Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott (co-c), Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright (co-c), Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler, Dane Zander
Reserves: Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase, Peni Ravai, Connor Vest, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, James O’Connor, Jock Campbell
Referee: James Doleman
Prediction. For me the Brumbies will be too good in Canberra, and I would expect them to win by 6 points.
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