GAME 4 BRUMBIES v HIGHLANDERS SATURDAY JUNE 8th.
SATURDAY JUNE 8th. GIO STADIUM CANBERRA
Super Rugby Pacific 2024: Quarterfinalists Decided
It’s finals time!
After 15 regular season rounds, the eight Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinalists for 2024 have been determined.
Sadly for the Waratahs, Force, Moana Pasifika and, incredibly, the Crusaders, their seasons are all over. The new coach will be joining the NSW team next year, but what about Rob Penney? Will he be returning to the Crusaders?
Brumbies Announce Strong Line-up for Quarterfinal Clash
After concluding the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific regular season with a 24-19 victory over the Western Force in Perth last weekend, Head Coach Stephen Larkham has announced a formidable lineup for this Saturday’s match.
No.8 Charlie Cale will mark his comeback from injury, joining Rob Valetini and Jahrome Brown in the back-row. The latter is also set to return to the Brumbies’ lineup for the clash against the Highlanders.
Harry Vella will step into the front-row, taking over from the injured Blake Schoupp, who sustained a shoulder injury in last week’s fixture in Perth. Vella will join forces with Billy Pollard and Captain Allan Alaalatoa to form the front row. They will be supported by Darcy Swain and fellow lock forward Tom Hooper in the second row.
Larkham has decided to stick with an unchanged backline for his team’s first finals match, with Ryan Lonergan and Noah Lolesio retaining the 9 and 10 jerseys respectively.
Wrecking balls Tamati Tua and Len Ikitau also retain their positions in the midfield.
Tom Wright will once again spearhead the attack from the fullback position, anchoring a potent backline that includes Corey Toole and Andy Muirhead on the wings.
Sosefo Kautai, set to mark his 50th Super Rugby appearance, has been named on the interchange bench. Joining him are prop Liam Bowron and hooker Rhys Van Nek, providing cover for the front row.
The versatile duo of Nick Frost and Luke Reimer will offer significant impact off the bench, while Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, and Ollie Sapsford will be available to bolster the backline.
Team line-ups
Brumbies
Harry Vella, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Darcy Swain, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Reserves. Liam Bowron, Rhys van Nek, Sosefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford
Highlanders
Ethan de Groot (co-c), Henry Bell, Jermaine Ainsley, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon (co-c), Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Reserves. Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Max Hicks, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Jake Te Hiwi, Finn Hurley
They have won only one of their last nine games in Australia, while the Brumbies have won their last three games against the Highlanders.
However, the Highlanders were keen to take advantage of the opportunity to give injured players an extra week to recover because they knew their playoff fate before last weekend’s loss to the Hurricanes.
Key Players Return for Highlanders Ahead of Quarterfinals
First five-eighth Cameron Millar has recovered from a head injury sustained against the Blues, and centre Tanielu Tele’a returns to bolster the midfield.
In the pack, Mitch Dunshea returns to the lock position alongside Fabian Holland, while Sean Withy makes his comeback to the openside flank.
Highlanders Set for Strong Quarterfinal Challenge
This line-up represents one of the strongest combinations the Highlanders have fielded all season. They are poised to capitalize on their solid performance towards the end of the regular season.
The leaders have stood up, and the best players have come through at the right time.
Referee. Angus Gardner, Assistant Referees. Damon Murphy, Matt Kellahan
Prediction
I think the Brumbies should sneak home in this one.
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