Brumbies depth tested as Wallabies hopefuls ruled out ahead of Drua match

Wed, May 1, 2024, 4:43 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Round 11: Rob Valetini Press Conference

ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has made major changes for Saturday's contest with the Fijian Drua as they eye a top-two spot.

Larkham has made several changes for the clash with the Drua, most notably winger Corey Toole, who misses the game with an ankle injury.

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The speedster limped off the field just after half-time during the win over the Hurricanes, expected to be out for the next couple of weeks.

Vice-captain Andy Muirhead comes into the starting side, with Larkham resisting the temptation to bring Ben O'Donnell straight in after his hat-trick for the Brumbies Runners against Hong Kong China.

Instead, fellow hat-trick hero Declan Meredith has been named on the bench, starting in the 76-0 victory.

Blake Schoupp will not return at least until the finals after his shoulder injury late in the game, replaced by Harry Vella on the bench.

Allan Alaalatoa takes over the captaincy, with Harrison Goddard starting ahead of Ryan Lonergan.

In the forwards, Tom Hooper will play in the second row for the first time since round two as part of a backrow shuffle.

It sees Jahrome Brown start at blindside flanker and Rob Valetini return to his preferred number eight position, with Charlie Cale the man to miss out.

Connal McInerney starts at hooker, replacing Billy Pollard who reverts to the bench.

The Brumbies sit in third on the ladder, five points behind the second-place Blues.

Larkham has made his intentions clear about a top-two finish to secure a potential home semi-final, with the Auckland-based side still to play the Chiefs, Hurricanes and Crusaders in Christchurch to finish the year.

Comparatively, the fifth-place Melbourne Rebels are the highest ranked opposition the Brumbies will face.

BRUMBIES (1-15):  James Slipper, Connal McInerney, Allan Alaalatoa (C), Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Jahrome Brown, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Harrison Goddard, Noah Lolesio, Ollie Sapsford, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright

RESERVES: Billy Pollard, Harry Vella, Sefo Kautai, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Hudson Creighton

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