The ACT Brumbies have named their side for Saturday’s clash with the Fijian Drua, with star back-rower Rob Valetini set to celebrate his 100th Super Rugby cap in what promises to be a special occasion in Fiji.
Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season live and on demand via Stan Sport
The milestone match comes as the Brumbies unveil a refreshed line-up, with nine changes to the starting XV following a demanding opening month of the Super Rugby Pacific season. Andy Muirhead will captain the side from fullback.
Fijian-born prop Lington Ieli earns his first start for the Brumbies and his first appearance of the 2026 campaign, lining up alongside hooker Billy Pollard and debutant Darcy Breen in the front row.
Breen’s journey to the capital has taken him across the rugby world, arriving via Major League Rugby in the United States and New Zealand’s NPC with Canterbury.
In the second row, Wallaby Nick Frost makes his first appearance of the season, partnering rising lock Toby Macpherson for his first start after an impressive debut campaign last year.
The back-row sees Tuaina Taii Tualima retain his spot alongside Valetini and openside Luke Reimer, who earns a start after strong performances from the bench.
In the halves, Klayton Thorn and Tane Edmed combine for the first time in the starting line-up, both earning their maiden starts for the club.
Midfielders David Feliuai and Kadin Pritchard provide stability outside the new halves pairing while offering strike power through the middle of the park.
Electric winger Corey Toole returns to the starting side after sitting out last week while managing a leg complaint.
He is joined in the back three by impressive debutant Kye Oates, who retains his spot following a strong first outing last week, and captain Muirhead, whose experience and finishing ability will be key against the Drua.
The bench provides fresh energy for the contest, with Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Lachie Shaw, Rory Scott, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith and Hudson Creighton completing the Round 5 squad.
Head Coach Stephen Larkham said the side had taken important lessons from last week’s loss and were ready to embrace the challenge of playing in Fiji.
“We learnt a lot from last week,” Larkham said.
“Sometimes you take more out of a loss than a win. The chaos of that game gave our players some really good learnings around how to adapt and overcome challenges during a match.
“This week presents another opportunity for growth and to test ourselves once more in Fiji.”
Prop James Slipper has not been named this week giving him the opportunity to break the all-time Super Rugby appearance record (202) at GIO Stadium next week vs the Chiefs.
Meanwhile, prop Rhys van Nek and halfback Dan Nelson are being assessed after sustaining injuries.
Kick-off against the Drua is Saturday at 2:35PM AEDT.
