Wallaby Rob Valetini returns for Brumbies’ clash with ‘biggest rivals’

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has welcomed backrower Rob Valetini back into the run-on side for Saturday night’s showdown with the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.

Valetini missed the first five rounds of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a hamstring injury but is now in line for a season debut at Allianz Stadium.

The powerful backrower headlines a star-studded Brumbies team which also includes Cadeyrn Neville, Luke Reimer and Ollie Sapsford back in the First XV for this round six clash.

As a two-time winner of the prestigious John Eales Medal in Australia, it goes without saying that Valetini’s return is a “huge boost” for the Brums, who are coming off a win over the Fijian Drua.

“It’s a huge boost to have Rob back in our side. He’s a world-class back row who possesses so many qualities that help our team,” Larkham said.

“We’re looking forward to taking on the Waratahs in their own backyard. They’ve made a strong start to the season, despite their slip-up against the Reds last weekend.

“Everyone at the club wants to play in these sorts of matches against our biggest rivals.”

Dating back to 2018, the Brumbies haven’t lost to the Waratahs in 13 attempts, including eight matches on the bounce at home. With only one competition point separating the two teams on the ladder, this is a crucial match for the traditional rivals.

James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa are the two props, while Billy Pollard has been named to start at hooker. Nick Frost joins Neville in the second row, while Tom Hooper, Reimer and Valetini round out the starting pack as the three loose forwards.

Vice-captain Ryan Lonergan will link up with Wallaby Noah Lolesio in the halves, while Sapsford joins Len Ikitau on the midfield. Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright have been name in a familiar outside backs trio that pretty well picks itself.

This match at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium will kick-off at 7:35 pm AEDT on Saturday.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

24

34

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. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Tom Hooper
7. Luke Reimer
8. Rob Valetini
9. Ryan Lonergan (vc)
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Corey Toole
12. Ollie Sapsford
13. Len Ikitau
14. Andy Muirhead
15. Tom Wright

Replacements:

16. Lachlan Lonergan
17. Blake Schoupp
18. Feao Fotuiaka
19. Lachie Shaw
20. Rory Scott
21. Harrison Goddard
22. Jack Debreczeni
23. Austin Anderson