After being rested in line with Rugby Australia’s Rugby World Cup policy, James Slipper, Rob Valetini, Pete Samu, Nic White, and Tom Wright return to the Brumbies’ starting lineup, with Len Ikitau also fit to start at outside centre.
Slipper will form the front row with Lachlan Lonergan and captain Allan Alaalatoa, with Nick Frost back in the run-on side alongside Cadeyrn Neville in the second row.
Rory Scott will wear the seven jersey with Valetini and Samu back in the back row.
White will partner Noah Lolesio in the halves, with the impressive Tamati Tua starting at inside centre to combine with Ikitau in the midfield.
The back-three of Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Wright is restored, Toole having made a remarkable start to his Super Rugby career on the left wing.
In the finishers, Rhys Van Nek will cover hooker with Fred Kaihea and Sefo Kautai coming on at prop.
Warringah Rats lock Sam Thomson is in line for his Super Rugby debut from the bench, the Scottish second rower having played professionally for Edinburgh in the URC, and both Toshiba Brave Lupus and Kintetsu Liners in Japan’s Top League.
Jahrome Brown will bring plenty of energy in the back row to finish the game.
Ryan Lonergan and Jack Debreczeni will have important roles to play as the finishing halves, with Ben O’Donnell completing the Brumbies’ matchday selection.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: “We’re fortunate to be able to bring back a lot of experience for what is likely to be a game played at test-match intensity.”
“They’ve talked about being underdogs, but the Waratahs have a great squad and they’ll come down here under pressure to get a result so we’ll be aware of that.
“We’re expecting our biggest crowd in five years for this game so there’s been a great energy around HQ this week and we’re just excited to get to gameday.”
Saturday's return is timely for the pair, with new Wallabies coach Eddie Jones set to name his first World Cup training squad on Sunday.
Read NowBrumbies team to play the Waratahs:
1. James Slipper
2. Lachlan Lonergan
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Nick Frost
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Rob Valetini
7. Rory Scott
8. Pete Samu
9. Nic White
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Corey Toole
12. Tamati Tua
13. Len Ikitau
14. Andy Muirhead
15. Tom Wright
Replacements:
16. Rhys Van Nek
17. Fred Kaihea
18. Sefo Kautai
19. Sam Thomson
20. Jahrome Brown
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Jack Debreczeni
23. Ben O’Donnell
Via Press Release/Brumbies
Join free and tell us what you really think!
Sign up for freeAs debate rages over 'Scottish-qualified' recruitment, the defending champions have demons to exorcise in Leinster's back yard.
With 15 players away with the Lions, a host of debutants are set to be unleashed on Ireland's summer tour.
The New Zealand rugby hierarchy should try and try again to bring the former Crusaders playmaker and recently crowned Japanese champion home.
Lets give him that - but he was a kak coach.
27 Go to commentsSad to hear of Stu’d passing. Condolences to family friends and team mates.
1 Go to commentsChiefs beat the Brumbies easily this season.
21 Go to commentsPretty fair, apart from Volavola. He deserved at least a 9, perhaps even a 10 with context added. He’s played 72 minutes of Premiership rugby across the entire season, and just 19 minutes in TOTAL since mid-Feb. To come on unexpectedly, in a crucial moment of a Premiership semi-final, stepping into the shoes of Pollard as Sale levelled it 16-16, to then call a backs move, execute it (he passed to Perese) for the score that you acknowledged proved to be the match winner, and then stand up in defence as well…was nothing short of phenomenal. A missed kick from out near the 5m line shouldn’t even be mentioned! Cameo of the season!
1 Go to commentsIt’s a conspiracy. He’ll get himself red carded accidently on purpose. With the game in the balance.
The prophecy will be fulfilled.
27 Go to commentsI think Kirifi did the most damage to his All Black chances and Papalii did the most to enhance over the weekend.
Sotutu’s social media post last season showed tremendous lack of maturity and character and will not have been forgotten.
12 Go to comments& he also played for the Bulls 😂
27 Go to commentsStephen Donald talks through his hole for money anyway.
4 Go to commentsPoor playing choice over Sinkler too!
2 Go to commentsTheir big SA lock should get them over the line.
27 Go to commentsBealham is a poor political choice, should have been Sinkler instead at this stage of the tour.
2 Go to commentswe will find out on the 23rd of june
12 Go to comments“Should” in fairness - Yes. I mean its kinda Ireland
27 Go to commentsRoigards passing was telegraphic with his running game and sniping non existent, Ratima also appears to be getting metronomic, devoid of flair and his ten went invisible as well.
If you can't step up at finals then you need to be punished, yes the blues were poor at times this season but they were right on either the last two games when it really matters.
CWL is a bit larger but both him and Lakai are down on size for an eight and aren't freaks like Savea. Sotutu has to be in the mix and Dalton, but only if they front this Friday night.
However six is an ongoing issue, Josh Beehre could be an answer to the lack of height in the loose forwards at Allblacks level, his driving try to ice the contest through a decent Chiefs pack was raw determination even with support.
As for the previous try being ruled out on the flimsiest of technicalities that highlighted everything wrong with the TMO, it wasn't ‘rabbiting’, his knees dropped one after the other and he then brought his shoulders forward to extend and score, big guys can do that, that's why Sotutu has to be in the mix.
Sititi looked short of a gallop and the Chiefs might be acting a bit too cute with their bench, the coach is saying all the right things but he's in the departure lounge and the signs are there that the Chiefs expected to be the best team in finals simply because they had the best bench.
They're now under the pump and the winner of this year's super final will almost certainly be whoever wins this Friday in Christchurch.
12 Go to comments
