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ACT Brumbies
34
Match Complete
Highlanders
27
| 79 |  | C. Tangitau | ||
| J. Debreczeni |  | 78 | ||
| L. Ikitau | | 77 | ||
| J. Debreczeni | | 73 | ||
| A. Muirhead | | 72 | ||
| 65 |  | S. Gilbert | ||
| C. Toole | | 61 | ||
| 54 | | S. Gilbert | ||
| 53 | | J. Nareki | ||
| 44 | | S. Gilbert | ||
| 43 | | S. Gilbert | ||
| A. Alaalatoa | | 30 | ||
| N. Lolesio | | 22 | ||
| B. Pollard | | 21 | ||
| 10 | | C. Tangitau | ||
| N. Lolesio | | 4 |
| 5 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 3 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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Stephen Larkham has welcomed back midfielder David Feliuai for Friday night’s clash with the Highlanders in Canberra (7.35pm AEDT), but the Brumbies will be without two reliable figures. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary.
Wallaby Luke Reimer and Australia A skipper Ryan Lonergan have both been rested to adhere to Rugby Australia’s management of players ahead of this year’s Lions campaign.
The changes sees Rory Scott return to the back-row, while Harrison Goddard partners Noah Lolesio in the halves.
“We wanted to keep things fresh heading into this match, which is a must win for us, along with every other game remaining in the competition,” Larkham said.
“The pace and intensity of Super Rugby has increased this year, so it’s important we are giving players a rest when the opportunity arises.
“We’re under no illusions in terms of the challenge the Highlanders present this weekend. They are a physical side who have a young, potent backline that can produce pieces of brilliance. We are preparing thoroughly this week and will need to be at our best.”
The fourth and final change to the starting side sees Lachie Shaw come back into the second-row, with Cadeyrn Neville dropping back to the bench.
There’s also a couple of tweaks to the bench, with youngster Liam Bowron coming onto the bench for the concussed Lachlan Lonergan. Rhys van Nek provides cover at tight-head prop.
Former Rebel Tuaina Taii Tualima also returns after being sidelined for more than a month after contracting an illness in Fiji.
After their loss to the Reds last week Jamie Joseph welcomes back Daniel Lienert-Brown back from suspension replacing rested Ethan de Groot. TK Howden moves to blindside flanker and vice-captain Sean Withy moves to No.8t in place of the injured Nikora Broughton.
In the backs, captain Timoci Tavatavanawai returns to the midfield allowing fellow Fijian Jona Nareki back onto the left wing and the versatile Sam Gilbert completes the back three.
A refreshed bench has Henry Bell in for Jack Taylor and potential debuts for loose forward, Michael Loft, and Taranaki halfback, Adam Lennox.
“Touring always makes a team tighter, and it’s usually backs to the wall stuff when you play in places like Canberra and Perth,” said Joseph. “This team has shown a lot of resolve already this season, but we will probably need to dig even deeper over the next few weeks in Australia. It’s a challenge I know the squad will be looking forward to.”
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Harrison Goddard, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Cadeyrn Neville, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Klayton Thorn, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Daniel Lienert-Brown, Soane Vikena, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, TK Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Nathan Hastie, Taine Robinson, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Caleb Tangitau, Sam Gilbert
Replacements: Henry Bell, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Ajay Faleafaga, Tanielu Tele’a
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jordan Kaminski
TMO: James Leckie
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Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.