Wallaby Noah Lolesio returns for Brumbies’ crucial Crusaders showdown

Wallabies fly-half Noah Lolesio is back for the ACT Brumbies, named in the starting side to take on the Crusaders in a massive Super Rugby Pacific showdown in the capital. Lolesio was stretchered off the field away to the Force in round 13 but returns for this key clash.

With the third-placed Brumbies hosting the second-placed Crusaders at GIO Stadium, whoever wins this match will place inside the top two going into the playoffs. If the ladder-leading Chiefs lose to the Highlanders, either the Brumbies or Crusaders will finish first overall.

That’s what makes the return of Lolesio so significant, with the Wallaby bringing a wealth of skill, leadership and experience to this star-studded lineup. Declan Meredith stepped up as the Brumbies’ No. 10 against the Reds a fortnight ago, but will now come off the bench.

Prop Feao Fotuaika and backrower Tuaina Taii Tualima are also back in the run-on side, while Tom Hooper shifts to the second row. The rest of the team remains consistent, with the Brumbies looking for a statement win after their bye week.

“We know the importance of finishing in the top two and securing that home semi-final, it puts you in a better position to go deep into the competition. However, we know there is still a lot of work to do before then,” Larkham said in a statement.

“The Crusaders have improved on their consistency from last year. They’ve had a few changes in terms of guys coming back from injury and performing. We’ll see a settled team and they’ll be trying to prepare a team that will see them all the way through the finals.”

Highly experienced prop James Slipper will join Billy Pollard and Fotuaika in the front row, while Nick Frost and Hooper are the two locks. Rob Valetini will pack down at blindside flanker, with Rory Scott at openside, and Taii Tualima at No. 8.

In the backs, Ryan Lonergan will link up with Lolesio, while David Feliuai joins Wallaby Len Ikitau in the midfield. As always, the outside backs practically pick themselves. Corey Toole and Andy Muirhead are the two wings, while Tom Wright starts at fullback once again.

This match at Canberra’s GIO Stadium will get underway at 7:35 pm on Friday night.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

31

31

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

40%

ACT Brumbies to take on Crusaders

1. James Slipper
2. Billy Pollard
3. Feao Fotuaika *
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. Rhys van Nek

19. Lachlan Shaw

20. Luke Reimer*

21. Harrison Goddard

22. Declan Meredith

23. Ollie Sapsford