Key Wallabies return for Brumbies’ showdown with Western Force

Following the ACT Brumbies’ history-making win over the Fijian Drua in Suva, coach Stephen Larkham has battled selection headaches when picking the team’s matchday 23 for this weekend’s Australian derby against the Western Force at home.

Six Wallabies are back in the starting side for the clash at GIO Stadium, and coach Larkham has also made a significant call at fly-half with Declan Meredith named to start at Super Rugby Pacific level for the first time.

Meredith has previously made three appearances in Brumbies colours off the bench, but the playmaker will steer the ship from minute one with Noah Lolesio dropping out of the matchday 23. Jack Debreczeni will provide cover as the option off the pine.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

37

23

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

20%

James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Charlie Cale, Len Ikitau and Tom Wright bolster the Brumbies’ First XV for this round two fixture. All six men were rested for the 36-32 triumph over the Drua, with the Brums becoming the first Australian side to win a Super Rugby match in Fiji.

“The selection for this weekend has been a bit of a headache after the Drua result. Everyone who came into the side for Fiji stepped up to the plate and delivered. It’s pleasing to have boys at our disposal that can come in and do a job for us,” Larkham said.

“However, it’s obviously fantastic to have the Wallabies back in our team. They bring with them vast experience and expertise at this level.

“We know of the huge task at hand on Saturday against the Force. They started off with a win last weekend and gave us a good game in our trial at Maris College in Canberra, particularly in the first half. Our preparation has been, and will be, extremely thorough this week.”

Super Rugby and Wallabies veteran Slipper joins Billy Pollard and captain Alaalatoa in an all-star front row, while Frost and Tom Hooper round out the tight five. Rory Scott and Cale join last weekend’s two-try hero, Luke Reimer, in the loose forwards.

In the backs, Ryan Lonergan will partner Meredith in the halves, while New Zealand-born utility Ollie Sapsford will link with Ikitau in the midfield. Olympian Corey Toole joins Andy Muirhead and Wright in a familiar outside backs combination.

This match will get underway at 7:35 pm AEDT on Saturday evening.

ACT Brumbies to take on Western Force

Starting XV: James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Luke Reimer, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright

Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Lachlan Shaw, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton