Charlie Cale makes timely return for Brumbies ahead of playoffs

The Brumbies are returning to full strength at the pointy end of the Super Rugby Pacific season, welcoming rising star flanker Charlie Cale back into the starting team for their round 16 clash with Moana Pasifika.

Cale was last seen 26 minutes into the Brumbies’ round 9 contest against the Highlanders in Dunedin, when he left the field with a shoulder injury. At that point in the season, the 25-year-old had scored nine tries in seven games.

This week’s regular season finale will be the first time the Brumbies have fielded all of their Wallabies in the same XV, with Cale, Allan Alaalatoa and Tom Wright all missing extended time during the round-robin to date.

Against Moana, Alaalatoa will be joined up front by James Slipper and Billy Pollard in the front row, with Lachlan Shaw and Cadeyrn Neville packing down in the second row. Rob Valetini and Rory Scott retain their places in the loose trio as Cale returns at No.8.

In the backline, Ryan Lonergan and Declan Meredith continue to direct the team, with David Feliuai and Kadin Pritchard again named in the midfield. Corey Toole and Andy Muirhead join Tom Wright in the back three.

The Brumbies can finish as high as third with a bonus-point win this week, earning them a home qualifying final, or as low as sixth with a loss, which would see them travel to Wellington to face the Hurricanes.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

37

22

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

60%

Brumbies team to play Moana Pasifika

1. James Slipper
2. Billy Pollard
3. Allan Alaalatoa C
4. Lachlan Shaw
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Rob Valetini
7. Rory Scott
8. Charlie Cale
9. Ryan Lonergan
10. Declan Meredith
11. Corey Toole
12. David Feliuai
13. Kadin Pritchard
14. Andy Muirhead
15. Tom Wright

Reserves

16. Lachlan Lonergan
17. Blake Schoupp
18. Rhys van Nek
19. Nick Frost
20. Luke Reimer
21. Klayton Thorn
22. Tane Edmed
23. Hudson Creighton

Injury list

Kye Oates – Leg
Dan Nelson – Leg
Tuaina Taii Tualima – Shoulder
Ollie Sapsford – Knee