MARCH 9th 2024 GIO STADIUM CANBERRA AUSTRALIA
Wallabies Watch
New Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will be keeping a close eye on the pivots with Noah Lolesio going up against Ben Donaldson. Both players could make an early case for the Wallabies number 10 jersey with a strong showing in Canberra.
TEAM LINE-UPS
Brumbies
James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Sosefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Darcy Swain, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan (c), Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Reserves. Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Cadeyrn Neville, Jahrome Brown, Klayton Thorn, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
Brumbies Injury Update
Darcy Swain comes into the starting side for the first time in 2024 to replace an injured Charlie Cale
Brumbies Squad Changes
Tamati Tua starts at inside centre alongside Len Ikitau
Luke Reimer and Andy Muirhead once again start after re-signing with the club on Thursday
Force
Ryan Coxon, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Tom Franklin, Jeremy Williams, Michael Wells, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Chase Tiatia, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Potter, Max Burey
Reserves. Feleti Kaitu’u, Charlie Hancock, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Tim Anstee, Lopeti Faifua, Ollie Callan, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, George Poolman
Force Injury Update
Bayley Kuenzle starts in place of Sam Spink after he suffered a calf strain
Ryan Coxon retains his spot after overcoming a neck injury
Nic White starts at scrum half for his first game back in Canberra since his off-season switch
Referee: Dan Waenga
Assistant Referees: Graham Cooper, Jordan Kaminski
Brumbies Performance Recap
Have you ever seen the Brumbies play as badly as they did against the Chiefs at Super Round? The two-time Super Rugby champions were, in a word, awful. Smashed up front and unwilling to make rudimentary tackles, the Brumbies got what they deserved in Melbourne.
Force Performance Recap
Luckily they have the ideal opportunity to prove that was merely a hic up, hosting a Force team that looks like it might have gone backwards rather than progressed since last year. The Force had built a winning position against the Rebels, only to capitulate completely and miss out even on a bonus point. They have however welcome back Bayley Kuenzle in the backline but Izack Rodda has suffered another setback and there is still no sign of Atu Moli in the front-row.
Analysis of Force Weaknesses
Ben Donaldson has shown glimpses of his best form alongside Nic White, but there is a distinct lack of talent elsewhere around the Force squad and another disappointing season in the west is already underway.
PREDICTION
Look for the Brumbies to return to what they do best, play territory and apply the squeeze at the set-piece, and for Corey Toole any time try scorer. He already has five tries through two games.
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