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Brumby Allan Alaalatoa to end more than 260 day wait against Hurricanes
By Finn Morton
Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa will make his long-awaited return from injury on Saturday afternoon after being named to start for the Brumbies against the table-topping Hurricanes.
Alaalatoa, who missed the Rugby World Cup after suffering the injury during the first Bledisloe Cup test in Melbourne, will return to competitive rugby for the first time in more than 260 days.
The world-class tighthead prop will pack down alongside James Slipper and hooker Billy Pollard in an impressive front row, while Darcy Swain and Cadeyrn Neville round out the tight five.
Rory Scott has been named at openside flanker for the first time this season and joins Wallaby Rob Valetini and rising star Charlie Cale in the loose forwards.
Captain Ryan Lonergan is back at halfback for the second week in a row and will combine with Noah Lolesio in the halves. Lolesio has played in every match this season.
Len Ikitau returns from an injury layoff to start at outside centre, with the Wallaby set to link up with Tamati Tua in the midfield.
Speedster Corey Toole will take his place on the left wing once again, New Zealand-born Ollie Sapsford on the right, and Wallaby Tom Wright lines up out the back.
Coach Stephen Larkham has gone with a 5-3 split on the bench.
The Hurricanes are undefeated this season but their last loss in a competitive fixture was against the Brumbies in Canberra (last year’s quarter-finals).
As for the Brumbies, they’ll be looking to put the disappointment of last year’s thrashing by the Blues behind them when they take the field in front of their home fans.
This ANZAC Round fixture at Canberra’s GIO Stadium will kick-off at 2:35 pm AEST on Saturday afternoon.
Brumbies team to take on Hurricanes
- James Slipper
- Billy Pollard
- Allan Alaalatoa
- Darcy Swain
- Cadeyrn Neville
- Rob Valetini
- Rory Scott
- Charlie Cale
- Ryan Lonergan
- Noah Lolesio
- Corey Toole
- Tamati Tua
- Len Ikitau
- Ollie Sapsford
- Tom Wright
Replacements
- Connal McInerney
- Blake Schoupp
- Sosefo Kautai
- Tom Hooper
- Jahrome Brown
- Harrison Goddard
- Jack Debreczeni
- Andy Muirhead
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Latest Comments
Always reluctant to blame a coach when losses rack up, but Penney must go. The backline is dysfunctional and the coach must carry the can. No cohesion, no idea and in many cases, minimal skill. The trains out of Roma St depart faster than the ball from Crusaders’ set pieces. Wouldn’t be surprised if the forwards went on strike.
Go to commentsAdding to earlier comment. Cullen Grace has been playing great at no6. Lio-Willie , who was on fire a few weeks ago, had a bad game. I think Cullen should have been moved to 8 earlier, Dominic Gardiner on earlier. Feel for Quinten Strange , put in a big shift .
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