Brumbies make one change for Round 3 against the Chiefs

February 26, 2025
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Ultimate Rugby

The Global ACT Brumbies make just one change for their Smartech Super Rugby Pacific Round 3 fixture against the Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday (live on Stan Sports, kick-off 2.35pm AEDT).

Flanker Rory Scott returns to the side, having missed Saturday’s 45-42 loss to the Western Force with an ankle problem. There are no other changes to the starting lineup or the bench.

Head coach Stephen Larkham is looking forward to the challenge of taking on both the Chiefs and the Blues in the next two games.

“We’ve got a relatively unchanged team, with Rory Scott coming in having missed last week’s game through injury. There’s an opportunity for those guys to bounce back and make sure we’re a little more clinical at the start and end of the game," Larkham said.

“There’s a chance for us to go over there and face two of the best teams, not only in New Zealand, but also the competition in the Chiefs and the Blues.”

Charlie Cale, who scored two tries on his return to action last weekend, retains his place at number eight. While Declan Meredith makes his first away start in Super Rugby at stand-off, having scored a try on his first competition start at GIO Stadium last weekend.

The Brumbies will also take four travelling reserves to New Zealand, as the club embarks on their first, multiple match tour over the ditch for 20 years. The side will take on reigning champions the Blues in Round 4 next Friday at Eden Park in Auckland.

Feao Fotuaika (ankle) and David Feliuai (dislocated finger), who missed last weekend’s match through injury, travel with the squad and are available for selection for Round 4.

As are lock Tom Hooper and scrum half Klayton Thorn. Hooper is currently progressing through a 12-day return to play protocol and will therefore be available for the Blues match.

2025 Smartech Super Rugby Pacific Round 3 – Saturday 1^st March (2.35pm AEDT)

Chiefs vs Global ACT Brumbies

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand

Starting XV

James Slipper
Billy Pollard
Allan Alaalatoa
Nick Frost
Cadeyrn Neville
Rory Scott
Luke Reimer
Charlie Cale
Ryan Lonergan
Declan Meredith
Corey Toole
Ollie Sapsford
Len Ikitau
Andy Muirhead
Tom Wright

Finishers:

Lachlan Lonergan
Blake Schoupp
Rhys van Nek
Lachlan Shaw
Judah Saumaisue
Harrison Goddard
Jack Debreczeni
Hudson Creighton

Travelling extras:

Feao Fotuaika
Tom Hooper
Klayton Thorn
David Feliuai

Injury list:

Short-term

Tom Hooper (concussion – timeline 12 days) – On track to be available for Rd 4
Noah Lolesio (concussion) - progressing through graded return to play protocol. Likely available for full training and game the week of Rd 4
Rob Valetini (hamstring tear) – timeline TBC

Long-term