SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC , ROUND 12, MAY 14th, 2023
ACT BRUMBIES v OTAGO HIGHLANDERS
The Brumbies will be aiming to continue their winning ways as they host the Highlanders in a crucial Super Rugby Pacific Round 12 clash at the GIO Stadium in Canberra on May 14th, 2023.
Despite being without Wallabies lock Cadeyrn Neville, the Brumbies have bolstered their side with the inclusion of Darcy Swain. Meanwhile, the Highlanders are missing key players Aaron Smith and Ethan de Groot, making their task even more difficult.
The Highlanders have had a good record against the Brumbies in recent times, winning the last four encounters as the away team. However, the Brumbies will be highly motivated to maintain their winning streak and potentially secure a home quarter-final and semi-final.
One of the key matchups to watch out for will be the battle between the two forward packs. Jermaine Ainsley, who has been one of the Highlanders’ most consistent performers, will be rested and will come off the bench, leaving Daniel Lienert-Brown and Saula Ma’u to handle the propping duties.
Meanwhile, the Brumbies’ James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, and Allan Alaalatoa will be looking to dominate their opponents and lay the foundation for their backs to do the damage.
The Highlanders’ backline will feature some changes, with Connor Garden-Bachop playing fullback and Scott Gregory moving to the right wing. Jona Nareki, who has been waiting for his chance to start, will finally get his opportunity on the left wing.
The Brumbies’ backline, led by flyhalf Noah Lolesio, will look to take advantage of any gaps in the Highlanders’ defence and create scoring opportunities for their wingers, Len Ikitau and Tom Wright.
In what promises to be a closely contested encounter, the Brumbies will have the home advantage and the momentum from their previous victories. However, the Highlanders have shown that they can never be underestimated and will be looking to spring an upset.
Brumbies. James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Frost, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Reserves. Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton
Highlanders. Daniel Lienert-Brown, Andrew Makalio, Saula Ma’u, Shannon Frizell, Josh Dickson, James Lentjes, Billy Harmon (c), Hugh Renton, Folau Fakatava, Freddie Burns, Jona Nareki, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Fetuli Paea, Scott Gregory, Connor Garden-Bachop,
Reserves. Rhys Marshall, Ayden Johnstone, Jermaine Ainsley, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Sean Withy, James Arscott, Mitch Hunt, Jonah Lowe
Referee. Graham Cooper Assistant Referees. Angus Gardner, Reuben Keane
PREDICTION.
The visitors will have to play extra well here to be in the contest. From where I sit, it looks like the Highlanders are prepared to give this game away and look ahead to the rest of the season and hope results go their way. They have the Rebels and Reds at home, before heading to Auckland to face the Blues. They might make the eight but only just. The Brumbies will have the finals in their sites and want a bonus point along the way. In front of their fans on a cold Canberra afternoon they will be too good. Brumbies by 13 points.
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