Irish expectation soars as Andy Farrell's team sweeps all in its path, but cool heads are needed if they are to heed mistakes of the past
The quarter-final voodoo hanging over World No 1 ranked Ireland may finally be swept aside in 2023. Andy Farrell's team are branded a different beast by Kiwi pundits and former All Blacks in Jeff Wilson and Mils Muliaina.
After being rested in line with Rugby Australia’s Rugby World Cup policy, James Slipper, Rob Valetini, Pete Samu, Nic White, and Tom Wright return to the Brumbies’ starting lineup, with Len Ikitau also fit to start at outside centre.
Slipper will form the front row with Lachlan Lonergan and captain Allan Alaalatoa, with Nick Frost back in the run-on side alongside Cadeyrn Neville in the second row.
Rory Scott will wear the seven jersey with Valetini and Samu back in the back row.
White will partner Noah Lolesio in the halves, with the impressive Tamati Tua starting at inside centre to combine with Ikitau in the midfield.
The back-three of Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Wright is restored, Toole having made a remarkable start to his Super Rugby career on the left wing.
In the finishers, Rhys Van Nek will cover hooker with Fred Kaihea and Sefo Kautai coming on at prop.
Warringah Rats lock Sam Thomson is in line for his Super Rugby debut from the bench, the Scottish second rower having played professionally for Edinburgh in the URC, and both Toshiba Brave Lupus and Kintetsu Liners in Japan’s Top League.
Jahrome Brown will bring plenty of energy in the back row to finish the game.
Ryan Lonergan and Jack Debreczeni will have important roles to play as the finishing halves, with Ben O’Donnell completing the Brumbies’ matchday selection.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: “We’re fortunate to be able to bring back a lot of experience for what is likely to be a game played at test-match intensity.”
“They’ve talked about being underdogs, but the Waratahs have a great squad and they’ll come down here under pressure to get a result so we’ll be aware of that.
“We’re expecting our biggest crowd in five years for this game so there’s been a great energy around HQ this week and we’re just excited to get to gameday.”
Saturday's return is timely for the pair, with new Wallabies coach Eddie Jones set to name his first World Cup training squad on Sunday.
Read NowBrumbies team to play the Waratahs:
1. James Slipper
2. Lachlan Lonergan
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Nick Frost
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Rob Valetini
7. Rory Scott
8. Pete Samu
9. Nic White
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Corey Toole
12. Tamati Tua
13. Len Ikitau
14. Andy Muirhead
15. Tom Wright
Replacements:
16. Rhys Van Nek
17. Fred Kaihea
18. Sefo Kautai
19. Sam Thomson
20. Jahrome Brown
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Jack Debreczeni
23. Ben O’Donnell
Via Press Release/Brumbies
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I personally think Jeff Wilson and JK is still upset what the boks did to them 35-7. Comments with boks cant play better etc. At the moment I would rather be a bok supporter then a AB supporter. That is just the nature of the elephant in the room one day your team is the best and the next day they lose with record margins. Sorry guys what you have to say is irrelevant World Cup only starts at playoff games anything before then is just getting you sharp, boks proved it in 2019. Boks - Ireland final would have like to play AB in the final but can't see them beating Ireland.
Go to commentsGo brave blossoms!! I will believe you!
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