GIO STADIUM CANBERRA AUSTRALIA FRIDAY MARCH 22nd.
The ACT Brumbies have named lock Darcy Swain as a surprise captain as they prepare for Friday’s clash with Moana Pasifika.
Injury Woes and Surprising Captaincy for Brumbies
Swain becomes the 20th Brumby to captain the side, partnering Cadeyrn Neville in the second row.
It continues his rise after his delayed start due to injury, coming off the bench last week in the win over the Highlanders.
It comes after injuries across the park for Stephen Larkham’s side, including vice-captain Andy Muirhead.
Muirhead picked up a knee injury to go with a bloody nose after their win over the Highlanders, joined on the sidelines by Len Ikitau (Knee) and Blake Schoupp (Shoulder).
It sees Hudson Creighton come in for the first time in 2024, partnering Tamati Tua in the centres.
Ollie Sapsford shifts to the wing in place of Muirhead, with Corey Toole and Tom Wright completing the back three.
Key Players Return and Debut for Brumbies
Harry Vella will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut in the front row, with the Canberra Royal recovering after a series of injuries since he joined the club in 2021.
The return of Charlie Cale eases the injury burden, having missed the past two weeks.
Meanwhile, Harrison Goddard starts alongside Noah Lolesio in the halves, pushing Ryan Lonergan on the bench.
Ryan is joined by brother Lachlan along with former Wallabies skipper James Slipper and Frost as part of an experienced bench.
It includes Luke Reimer, who has shrugged off his concussion to be fit for Friday’s match in Canberra.
Injury Setback for Moana Pasifika
An ever-growing injury ward at Moana Pasifika has claimed another victim with barnstorming Julian Savea ruled out for the side’s massive clash in Canberra. It’s a big blow for the side who managed to stun the Force last week and claim their second win for the season, but with the Brumbies suffering an injury crisis of their own, Moana has the chance to swoop in and create more history.
If the Brumbies return to an unstructured game that they played in the first half last week, there’s a chance Moana could pounce.
Team line-ups
Brumbies
Harry Vella, Billy Pollard, Sefo Kautai, Darcy Swain (c), Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Charlie Cale, Harrison Goddard, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Hudson Creighton, Ollie Sapsford, Tom Wright
Reserves. Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper, Rhys Van Nek, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith
Moana
Danny Toala, Nigel Ah Wong, Pepesana Patafilo, D’Angelo Leuila, Jyren Taumoefolau, Christian Lealiifano, Ereatara Enari, Lotu Inisi, Sione Havili Talitui, Jacob Norris, Allan Craig, Ola Tauelangi, Sione Mafileo, Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole.
Reserves. Tomasi Maka, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Michael Curry, Semisi Paea, Melani Matavao, William Havili, Fine Inisi
Referee. Jordan Way
Assistant Referees. Reuben Keane, Jeremy Marky
Prediction and Analysis
Coach Tana Umaga decided to take his team back to NZ after last weekend’s game in Perth.They beat the Force 22-14. A long trip and then back to Melbourne. That’s a lot of travel. They are a gutsy side ,but guts alone will not win this. I pick the Brumbies ,at home, in front of their fans to win and win well. Probably 13 plus points.
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