Brumbies boosted by Allan Alaalatoa’s return for crucial Australian derby

ACT Brumbies stalwart Allan Alaalatoa returns to the run-on side for this weekend’s key Australian derby against the Western Force in the capital, joining Lachlan Lonergan and James Slipper in a trio who have all been capped by the Wallabies.

Alaalatoa was ruled out of the Brumbies clash with the Hurricanes in Super Round and the round 12 match against the Queensland Reds. But the world-renowned prop is back at tighthead, as the Brums chase a crucial bounce-back win.

The Brumbies haven’t won since overcoming the Highlanders on April 10, since dropping games to the Fijian Drua, Hurricanes and Reds. They sit in sixth place, five points ahead of rivals the NSW Waratahs in seventh.

Nick Frost and Lachlan Shaw are the two starting locks, while Rob Valetini and Rory Scott have both been retained on the flanks. Former Australia U20 captain Toby MacPherson will again pack down at the back of the scrum.

Ryan Lonergan captains the team from scrum-half, with coach Stephen Larkham sticking with fly-half Declan Meredith. Tane Edmed will instead come off the bench, with the Brumbies going with a 5-3 split in their reserves.

David Feliuai will link up with Hudson Creighton in a new-look midfield pairing, and Ollie Sapsford replaces Andy Muirhead in the First XV on the right wing. Corey Toole will line up on the left edge, with Tom Wright rounding out the side at fullback.

Fixture

Super Rugby Pacific

Brumbies

32 - 15

Full-time

Force

All Stats and Data

ACT Brumbies team to take on Western Force

1. James Slipper
2. Lachlan Lonergan
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Nick Frost
5. Lachlan Shaw
6. Rob Valetini
7. Rory Scott
8. Toby MacPherson
9. Ryan Lonergan (c)
10. Declan Meredith
11. Corey Toole
12. David Feliuai
13. Hudson Creighton
14. Ollie Sapsford
15. Tom Wright

Finishers
16. Billy Pollard
17. Blake Schoupp
18. Rhys van Nek (50th cap)
19. Cadeyrn Neville
20. Chris Mickelson*
21. Klayton Thorn
22. Tane Edmed
23. Andy Muirhead

*Potential Brumbies debut