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Brumbies get Wallabies guns back for Chiefs blockbuster
By AAP
The big guns are back for the biggest game of the Brumbies’ season, with seven Wallabies recalled for a vital clash with the top-ranked Chiefs on Saturday night.
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Captain Allan Alaalatoa, powerful flanker Rob Valetini and star fullback Tom Wright are joined by James Slipper, Lachie Lonergan, Nick Frost and Len Ikitau in returning to the side after missing last week’s loss to the Western Force through prescribed national team rest.
It sets things up perfectly for one of the biggest matches of the entire Super Rugby Pacific season, with Australia and New Zealand’s respective best teams squaring off for the first time this year.
But Eddie Jones’ Wallabies resting policy has caused havoc with the Brumbies’ season.
They rested five national team players for round-five loss to the Crusaders in Christchurch and another eight for last weekend’s defeat in Perth.
Those two setbacks have not only put them at risk of missing out on a home semi-final, slipping from second to third, but they could yet fall outside the top four altogether and not even host a match in the first weekend of the post-season.
“Regardless of the changes, last week was disappointing for the group and we’ve worked hard this week to make sure we’re prepared to perform Saturday night,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said.
“It’s obviously pleasing to bring the boys that were rested back in.
“We have a lot of respect for the Chiefs, there’s a lot of history there.
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“These are the games as a professional that you prepare all year for and we’re excited for the challenge.”
Wallabies duo Cadeyrn Neville and Nic White will miss the contest, the latter still nursing a sternum injury he suffered a fortnight back against the Highlanders, although it’s expected both will be fit for the Brumbies’ final regular season game against the Melbourne Rebels.
The Brumbies will be looking to protect their perfect record at GIO Stadium, having gone 5-0 on home turf this season.
BRUMBIES SQUAD TO FACE THE CHIEFS: James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright. Reserves: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Sefo Kautai, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford.
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Retallick and whitelock still good enough to take on the best but they have to produce the quality several games in a row. Who do the Kiwis have after they and Scott b? At least the front row will be okay. Back row interesting coz Sam came and Ardie look sorta essential but can it work? Works better with brodies work rate but still.. what do you think nick. Can they get away without the backup locks?
Go to commentsHe’s probably right. The Boks are going to play like the Boks and that’s hard to shake but on saying that the Boks were done in Brighton and pressured by Japan in Japan. Dunno what tongas got in the front row but their loosies will be powerful and their back three very dangerous. Maybe Adam coleman at lock and sekope kepu up front?
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