Stephen Larkham names settled Brumbies lineup for ‘crucial’ derby

Coach Stephen Larkham has only made one change to the ACT Brumbies starting side ahead of this weekend’s crunch Australian derby against the NSW Waratahs. Rory Scott comes back into the First XV in place of Luke Reimer at openside flanker.

Scott has been no stranger to the Brumbies’ run-on side this season, the backrower starting seven times across all three loose forward positions. As for Reimer, the Wallaby will look to provide impact off the bench in the No. 20 jersey.

The Brumbies are looking to bounce back after falling to the Hurricanes 35-29 last weekend at Canberra’s GIO Stadium. Winger Kini Naholo was especially dangerous as the visitors secured a much-needed win in the context of their season.

With that in the past, the Brumbies have a chance to bounce back, and they won’t be lacking in motivation ahead of a key derby. The Waratahs claimed a nail-biting win over the Brums earlier this season, but the men from Australia’s capital now have a chance to claim revenge.

“It’s an important game against the Waratahs on Saturday, there’s no doubt about that. We’ve always enjoyed the rivalry and this week is one of our biggest in the season. It’s going to be heated,” Larkham said in a statement.

“Coming off the game we that we had against them up in Sydney, there is disappointment from our players in several different aspects, such as the lack of composure we displayed. Where both teams sit on the ladder, this is a crucial game for both teams at this stage of the season. From now on, we’re deciding the top six, so every game is vital in terms of securing points.”

Wallaby James Slipper partners hooker Billy Pollard and captain Allan Alaalatoa in the front row, while Nick Frost and Tom Hooper round out the tight five. Rob Valetini will combine with Scott and Tuaina Taii Tualima in the backrow.

In the backs, Ryan Lonergan will link up with Noah Lolesio in the halves, while David Feliuai and Len Ikitau once again form the midfield combination. Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright have been named in their outside back roles yet again.

This match at Canberra’s GIO Stadium will kick-off at 7:35 pm AEST on Saturday.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

34

24

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

80%

Brumbies team to take on Waratahs

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

Finishers:

16. Lachlan Lonergan

17. Lington Ieli

18. Feao Fotuaika

19. Lachlan Shaw

20. Luke Reimer

21. Klayton Thorn

22. Declan Meredith

23. Ollie Sapsford