Team Announcement: Brumbies vs Fijian Drua
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Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham has named a strong side for Friday night's clash against the Fijian Drua, with Wallabies lock Darcy Swain earning his first start of the year.
Swain will partner Warringah Rats lock Sam Thomson in the second row, the 29-year-old from Scotland set to make his Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific debut after being an unused substitute against the Waratahs in round six.
Tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa will captain the side for the 42nd time against the Drua, forming an all-international front row with James Slipper and Lachlan Lonergan.
Rob Valetini, Rory Scott and Pete Samu form a familiar looking backrow, the trio having started five games together this season so far.
Ryan Lonergan rotates into the starting nine jersey to partner Noah Lolesio in the halves for the first time this year, with Ollie Sapsford coming into the midfield in-place of Tamati Tua to combine with Len Ikitau.
Ben O'Donnell comes onto the left wing with Corey Toole ruled out, alongside Andy Muirhead on the right flank and Tom Wright at fullback.
1. James Slipper, Queanbeyan Whites
2. Lachlan Lonergan, Tuggeranong Vikings
3. Allan Alaalatoa, Uni-Norths Owls
4. Darcy Swain, Tuggeranong Vikings
5. Sam Thomson, Warringah Rats*
6. Rob Valetini, Western Districts Lions
7. Rory Scott, Canberra Royals
8. Pete Samu, Gungahlin Eagles
9. Ryan Lonergan, Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Noah Lolesio, Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Ben O'Donnell, Western Districts Lions
12. Ollie Sapsford, Uni-Norths Owls
13. Len Ikitau, Tuggeranong Vikings
14. Andy Muirhead, Canberra Royals
15. Tom Wright, Western Districts Lions
REPLACEMENTS
16. Billy Pollard, Uni-Norths Owls
17. Blake Schoupp, Gungahlin Eagles
18. Rhys Van Nek, Uni-Norths Owls
19. Nick Frost, Queanbeyan Whites
20. Luke Reimer, Western Districts Lions
21. Nic White, Queanbeyan Whites
22. Jack Debreczeni, Uni-Norths Owls
23. Declan Meredith, Western Districts Lions
*Denotes potential ACT Brumbies and Super Rugby Pacific debut
Fijian Drua
Fijian Drua Head Coach Mick Byrne has announced his matchday 23 for Round 8 match of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific against ACT Brumbies this Friday.
Headlining the announcement is the return of Flying Fijians prop Haereiti Hetet to the matchday squad for the first time this season, following a successful rehabilitation from injury.
Also making their first appearance on the team list in 2023 are Flying Fijians flanker Rusiate Nasove and Olympic gold medalist Kitione Taliga. Meanwhile flyhalf Teti Tela will captain the side against the Brumbies following the unavailability of regular captain Meli Derenalagi.
This week’s front row consists of Livai Natave (1) at loosehead prop, Samuela Tawake (3) at tighthead, and Zuriel Togiatama (2) starting at hooker for the first time this season. The reliable Isoa Nasilasila (4) partners Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta (5) in the second row. Joseva Tamani (6) is back in the starting line-up this week at blindside flanker, with Kitione Salawa (7) opposite him at openside flanker position, and Elia Canakaivata (8) at number 8.
In the backline, Peni Matawalu (9) starts at halfback to partner captain Tela (10) who is at flyhalf. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (11) returns to the left wing and will partner Eroni Sau (14) who mans the right wing. Kalaveti Ravouvou (12) remains at inside centre, with Iosefo Masi (13) outside him, while Taliga (15) completes the backline at fullback.
In the backline, Peni Matawalu (9) starts at halfback to partner captain Tela (10) who is at flyhalf. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (11) returns to the left wing and will partner Eroni Sau (14) who mans the right wing. Kalaveti Ravouvou (12) remains at inside centre, with Iosefo Masi (13) outside him, while Taliga (15) completes the backline at fullback.
A strong impact line-up sees the experienced Mesulame Dolokoto (16) cover for hooker, with Hetet (17) covering loosehead and Jone Koroiduadua (18) backing up at tighthead.
Leone Rotuisolia (19) and Rusiate Nasove (20) provide cover for the locks and backrowers respectively. Philip Baselala (21) makes it to the bench for the second consecutive match at replacement halfback, with Michael Naitokani (22) also in line to enter the match at some point. Ilaisa Droasese (23) completes this week’s matchday as outside backs’ cover.
