Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham has named a strong side for Friday’s top-four clash against the Hurricanes at Sky Stadium in Wellington.
Billy Pollard earns his first start of the year, the hooker forming the front row with James Slipper and captain Allan Alaalatoa who leads the team for the 43rd time.
Nick Frost and Cadeyrn Neville renew their starting second row partnership, with Uni-Norths Owls number eight Charlie Cale joining Rob Valetini and Rory Scott in the backrow in place of Pete Samu, who is expected to fit for next week’s trip to Melbourne.
Nic White will partner Noah Lolesio in the halves, with Tamati Tua and Ollie Sapsford combining in the centres. Len Ikitau is also on track to be available for the Brumbies round 11 matchup against the Rebels.
Corey Toole is fit to take his place on the left wing after missing the Brumbies bonus-point win against the Fijian Drua, with Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright rounding out the back-three.
The Brumbies bench has been a key component in the team's run of form in 2023, with Wallabies hooker Lachlan Lonergan, Fred Kaihea and Sefo Kautai forming a powerful finishing front row.
Darcy Swain and Luke Reimer will offer bags of energy at lock and backrow respectively, with Ryan Lonergan and Jack Debreczeni providing quality and control as the finishing halves.
Round eight hat-trick hero Ben O’Donnell completes the Brumbies matchday selection.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: “We’re in a good place heading into an exciting test for our group on Friday night.”
“Len and Pete weren’t far off but we felt they needed an extra week, and it gives a guy like Charlie Cale another opportunity after some excellent performances in the John I Dent Cup.
“We’ve built well over the first eight rounds, and we’ve refreshed in bye week, but our focus doesn’t change. We know where we want to go, and we’ll get there by preparing well and performing each week.”
SAFEGUARD GLOBAL ACT BRUMBIES ROUND 10 TEAM
1. James Slipper, Queanbeyan Whites
2. Billy Pollard, Uni-Norths Owls
3. Allan Alaalatoa (C), Uni-Norths Owls
4. Nick Frost, Queanbeyan Whites
5. Cadeyrn Neville, Uni-Norths Owls
6. Rob Valetini, Western Districts Lions
7. Rory Scott, Canberra Royals
8. Charlie Cale, Uni-Norths Owls
9. Nic White, Queanbeyan Whites
10. Noah Lolesio, Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Corey Toole, Gungahlin Eagles
12. Tamati Tua, Queanbeyan Whites
13. Ollie Sapsford, Uni-Norths Owls
14. Andy Muirhead, Canberra Royals
15. Tom Wright, Western Districts Lions
REPLACEMENTS
16. Lachlan Lonergan, Tuggeranong Vikings
17. Fred Kaihea, Queanbeyan Whites
18. Sefo Kautai, Canberra Royals
19. Darcy Swain, Tuggeranong Vikings
20. Luke Reimer, Western Districts Lions
21. Ryan Lonergan, Tuggeranong Vikings
22. Jack Debreczeni, Uni-Norths Owls
23. Ben O'Donnell, Western Districts Lions
