Brumbies unchanged for Reds

The ACT Brumbies have named an unchanged starting selection for this Friday’s Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific round seven clash against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
 
Wallabies lock Cadeyrn Neville’s inclusion for his 100^th Super Rugby appearance headlines head coach Stephen Larkham’s selection, with rising hooker Billy Pollard included in the Brumbies gameday squad for the first time this season.
 
James Slipper continues at loosehead prop after scoring two tries in the Brumbies 40-36 win over the NSW Waratahs last time out, the veteran forming the front row with Lachlan Lonergan at hooker and captain Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead.
 
Neville will partner Nick Frost in the second row, with Rob Valetini, Rory Scott and Pete Samu starting in the backrow.
 
Nic White and Noah Lolesio will continue to steer the Brumbies attack in the halves inside Tamati Tua and Len Ikitau who combine in the midfield.
 
The dangerous back-three of Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright run-on for sixth occasion this season so far.
 
Pollard is joined by Blake Schoupp and Rhys Van Nek in the finishing front row, Schoupp having been included in Eddie Jones’ first Wallabies squad earlier this week.
 
Darcy Swain will provide quality impact to the second row with Luke Reimer back in the Brumbies squad after resting in round six.
 
Ryan Lonergan and Jack Debreczeni continue to provide match-winning spark as the finishing halves, with Ben O’Donnell completing the matchday 23 after an excellent stint off the bench against the Waratahs.
 
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: “We’re pleased to be in a position to pick a settled team this week and to be able to bring Billy and Darcy back onto the bench.”
 
“It’s always a special game for us against the Reds up in Brisbane, we’ve got Nev’s 100^th as well so there’s a buzz in the group and we’re looking forward to the challenge against a really good side.”