Brumbies brace for ‘must win’ Highlanders match after falling to Tahs

Coach Stephen Larkham has made four changes to the ACT Brumbies’ starting side ahead of Friday’s “must win” match against the Highlanders at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.

After last weekend’s thrilling loss to the NSW Waratahs in Sydney, Larkham spoke openly about the importance of bouncing back in round seven against the men from the deep south.

While the Brumbies sit in fifth place after their six matches, the Highlanders would leapfrog them with a bonus point win in Australia’s capital. The Highlanders could move into fifth ahead of the Western Force, depending on how their clash with the Reds in Brisbane unfolds.

Lock Lachlan Shaw, flanker Rory Scott, scrum-half Harrison Goddard and centre David Feliuai all return to the First XV, while Luke Reimer and Ryan Lonergan have been handed well-earned rests after a physical start to the season.

“We wanted to keep things fresh heading into this match, which is a must-win for us, along with every other game remaining in the competition,” Larkham said in a statement.

“The pace and intensity of Super Rugby has increased this year, so it’s important we are giving players a rest when the opportunity arises.

“We’re under no illusions in terms of the challenge the Highlanders present this weekend. They are a physical side who have a young, potent backline that can produce pieces of brilliance.

“We are preparing thoroughly this week and will need to be at our best.”

James Slipper, Billy Pollard and captain Allan Alaalatoa are the starting front rowers, while Nick Frost and Shaw round out the tight five as the locking duo. Tom Hooper, Rory Scott and Rob Valetini complete the starting pack as the three loose forwards.

In the backs, Goddard will link up with Noah Lolesio in the halves, while Feliuai joins Wallaby Len Ikitau in the midfield. Coach Larkham has stuck with a familiar outside backs trio, with Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright all named to start.

This round seven clash in Canberra is scheduled to kick off at 7:35 pm AEDT on Friday.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

5

Draws

0

Wins

0

Average Points scored

31

21

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

Brumbies team to take on Highlanders

1. James Slipper
2. Billy Pollard
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)
4. Nick Frost
5. Lachlan Shaw
6. Tom Hooper
7. Rory Scott
8. Rob Valetini
9. Harrison Goddard
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Corey Toole
12. David Feliuai
13. Len Ikitau
14. Andy Muirhead
15. Tom Wright 

Replacements:

16. Liam Bowron

17. Blake Schoupp

18. Rhys van Nek

19. Cadeyrn Neville

20. Tuaina Taii Tualima

21. Klayton Thorn

22. Jack Debreczeni

23. Ollie Sapsford