Allan Alaalatoa set for remarkable 150-game Brumbies milestone

World-renowned tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa is set to bring up the 150-game milestone for the ACT Brumbies, who are hoping to keep their home final dream alive when they take on the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.

Alaalatoa has spent some time on the sidelines this season, but the front-rower gave the side a noticeable boost in three starts to date. The Wallaby wore the No. 3 jumper in round nine against the Highlanders, and later against the Fijian Drua and Western Force.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has selected Alaalatoa in an all-Wallabies front row for a must-win Australian derby at Allianz Stadium. Super Rugby’s appearance record holder James Slipper and Billy Pollard will lay down a marker up front.

Cadeyrn Neville and Lachlan Shaw made up the second row duo. Former Australia U20 skipper Toby Macpherson starts at No. 8 yet again, with Rob Valetini and Rory Scott retaining their spots on the flanks.

Captain Ryan Lonergan links up with Declan Meredith in the halves, with Tane Edmed coming off the bench. David Feliuai combines with Kadin Pritchard in the centres, and a reliable back three trio has been chosen.

Paris Olympian Corey Toole lines up on one wing, with New Zealand-born Australia A flyer Ollie Sapsford on the other side. Tom Wright is the first-choice fullback, with Andy Muihread providing cover off the pine.

The Brumbies are fifth on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder with two rounds remaining, but just one competition point ahead of the Queensland Reds in sixth. As for the Waratahs, they’re just outside the playoff picture as things stand, ranked seventh.

Fixture

Super Rugby Pacific

Waratahs

14 - 21

Full-time

Brumbies

All Stats and Data

ACT Brumbies to take on NSW Waratahs

1. James Slipper

2. Billy Pollard

3. Allan Alaalatoa

4. Cadeyrn Neville

5. Lachie Shaw

6. Rob Valetini

7. Rory Scott

8. Toby Macpherson

9. Ryan Lonergan (c)

10. Declan Meredith

11. Corey Toole

12. David Feliuai

13. Kadin Pritchard

14. Ollie Sapsford

15. Tom Wright

Replacements

16. Lachlan Lonergan

17. Blake Schoupp

18. Rhys Van Nek

19. Nick Frost

20. Luke Reimer

21. Klayton Thorn

22. Tane Edmed

23. Andy Muirhead