CANBERRA GIO STADIUM
BRUMBIES (15-1):
Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Ben O’Donnell, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan, Pete Samu, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Sam Thomson, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper
Reserves: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Nick Frost, Luke Reimer, Nic White, Jack Debreczeni, Declan Meredith
Scotsman Sam Thomson will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Brumbies after coach Stephen Larkham decided to field a new lock pairing for the home match against the Drua.
Thomson is a well travelled 29-year-old who has played professionally in Scotland, France and Japan, but not yet in Australia.
Thomson was an unused substitute against the Waratahs in round six but will start alongside Wallabies second rower Darcy Swain on Friday.
Nick Frost is on the bench while Cadeyrn Neville is rested after playing his 100th match last weekend.
The other changes see Ryan Lonergan start ahead of Nic White at halfback, Ollie Sapsford replace Tamati Tua in the centres while Ben O’Donnell is on the left wing for Corey Toole, who was concussed by Angus Blyth.
DRUA (15-1):
Kitione Taliga, Eroni Sau, Iosefo Masi, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre , Teti Tela (c), Peni Matawalu, Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Joseva Tamani, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuela Tawake, Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave
Reserves: Mesulame Dolokoto, Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Leone Rotuisolia, Rusiate Nasove, Philip Baselala, Michael Naitokani, Ilaisa Droasese
Fijian Drua are second from bottom with three wins in seven matches. One victory came in a cracking encounter against the Rebels a few weeks ago. Plus who can forget the Crusaders loss in Fiji.
Their set piece and structural play are improving but not up to Super Rugby standard as yet.
The Drua have won three of their last six games while the Brumbies have won five from six.
REFEREE. Damon Murphy
Prediction
The Brumbies will be too strong here and will be looking for a bonus point victory as well. Brumbies by plenty.
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