Brumbies make three changes for ‘physical test’ against Moana Pasifika

ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has made three adjustments to the workforce for this weekend’s match in opposition to Moana Pasifika at Pukekohe’s Navigation Properties Stadium.

Following their spherical 9 39-26 win over the Queensland Reds in Brisbane, the Brumbies sit in third place on the ladder with the playoffs proper across the nook.

Anticipating a troublesome problem up entrance, Larkham has introduced prop Rhys van Nek and Wallaby Lachlan Lonergan into the beginning facet, the place they’ll be part of captain Allan Alaalatoa within the entrance row. New Zealand-born Ollie Sapsford additionally comes into the run-on facet at exterior centre.

Rounding out the tight five are locks Nick Frost and Tom Hooper, with the latter standing out as one of the front-runners in Player of the Year voting to date. Rob Valetini, Rory Scott and Tuaina Taii Tualima complete the starting pack as the three loose forwards.

“We are rotating our forward pack due to a couple of injuries from last weekend’s game against the Reds, which was extremely physical. We are expecting another physical test against Moana this weekend,” Larkham said.

In the backline, vice-captain Ryan Lonergan and Noah Lolesio will link up in the halves once again, with both playmakers impressing in the win over the Reds. David Feliuai joins Sapsford in the midfield, with Wallaby Len Ikitau unavailable.

The outside backs seem to pick themselves at this point with Corey Toole on the left edge, Andy Muirhead on the right, and Wallaby Tom Wright out the back. On the bench, flyhalf Declan Meredith will look to provide impact – fresh off signing a contract extension.

Wallaby Luke Reimer is being medically managed so won’t take the field this weekend. Jack Debreczeni is the other Brumby ruled out with a short-term injury, while another six players have been deemed unavailable with longer term injuries.