Larkham promotes supersub in Brumbies team to face Hurricanes

Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham has made just two changes to the starting XV that narrowly fell to Moana Pasifika last week when selecting his team for this week’s qualifying final.

The Brumbies, who finished sixth after 16 rounds of regular-season action, travel to Wellington with the unenviable task of tackling the table-topping Hurricanes for their qualifying final.

The men from the Australian capital have had the upper hand over their sister city from across the ditch in recent playoffs, building a storied rivalry this decade. But while the Brumbies have won against four of the five Kiwi Super Rugby sides this season, the Canes are the one that got away thanks to a 45-12 dismantling during Super Round.

Identifying the need for some adjustments, Larkham has moved Luke Reimer into the starting No.7 jersey ahead of usual starter Rory Scott, while Lachlan Lonergan takes fellow Wallaby Billy Pollard’s place as starting hooker.

Overall, there are 10 Wallabies in the starting XV for the Brumbies, due to do battle against eight All Blacks in the Hurricanes’ run-on team. The Brumbies also have the international edge on the bench.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

39

23

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

80%

Brumbies team to play the Hurricanes

1. James Slipper
2. Lachlan Lonergan
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)
4. Lachlan Shaw
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Rob Valetini
7. Luke Reimer
8. Charlie Cale
9. Ryan Lonergan
10. Declan Meredith
11. Corey Toole
12. David Feliuai
13. Hudson Creighton
14. Andy Muirhead
15. Tom Wright

Reserves

16. Billy Pollard
17. Blake Schoupp
18. Rhys van Nek
19. Nick Frost
20. Rory Scott
21. Klayton Thorn
22. Tane Edmed
23. Ollie Sapsford