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Captain Ryan Lonergan returns to lead Brumbies in Blues blockbuster
By Finn Morton
Captain Ryan Lonergan returns to lead the Brumbies into battle when they take on the Blues in a blockbuster top-three Super Rugby Pacific clash at Eden Park on Saturday evening.
With the Blues and Brumbies equal on 27 competition points, although the Aucklanders have a significantly better for-and-against, this is potentially the game of the round.
Lonergan, who was included in the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship squad last year, withdrew in the lead-up to the Brumbies' last fixture against the Waratahs in Canberra.
But a fortnight has passed, and with the Brums set to take the field for the first time since, Lonergan will be there to lead the team onto the field at the world-famous Eden Park.
Coach Stephen Larkham has made three changes to the starting side with Cadeyrn Neville’s inclusion at lock and Jahrome Brown at openside flanker being the other two.
The Brumbies have gone with the exact same front-row with record-holder James Slipper, Billy Pollard and Sosefo Kautai set to wearing jerseys No. 1 to 3.
Darcy Swan will pack down alongside Cadeyrn Neville in the second row, while Rob Valetini, Brown and rising star Charlie Cale make up a formidable loose forwards trio.
Captain Lonergan will link up with Noah Lolesio in the halves once again, while Tamati Tua and Hudson Creighton will stat again in the midfield.
Former SVNS star Corey Toole will wear the No. 11 jumper, New Zealand-born Ollie Sapsford the No. 14, and Tom Wright rounds out the starting side with the No. 15.
This blockbuster clash at Eden Park is scheduled to get underway at 5:05 pm AEST on Saturday.
Brumbies to take on Blues
- James Slipper
- Billy Pollard
- Sosefo Kautai
- Darcy Swain
- 5. Cadeyrn Neville
- Rob Valetini
- Jahrome Brown
- Charlie Cale
- Ryan Lonergan
- Noah Lolesio
- Corey Toole
- Tamati Tua
- Hudson Creighton
- Ollie Sapsford
- Tom Wright
Replacements
- Connal McInerney
- Blake Schoupp
- Rhys Van Nek
- Nick Frost
- Tom Hooper
- Luke Reimer
- Harrison Goddard
- Jack Debreczeni
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Latest Comments
Nick, if you start Uru then how do you balance that with the leadership that Wilson brings?
He seems to be the best captain we have had in a while, though still not quite the dominant player we need (though his sheer desire and workrate is applauded).
Does McReight have it in him to be thrown in as captain? Can Wilson be the '97 Jason Leonard role?
On the coaching, I hope plan B is to keep Joe involved in any capacity as attack coach and including on the selector couch.
I don't mind the idea of Larkham with Joe in his ear...jeez it would be good to see Brums make a final but he is also the one who coached Wright, Ikitau and Noah into their strongest super seasons after the disappointment of 2023.
Go to commentsLet me tell you something about Italian rugby…political, favoritism, unprofessional, the best don’t get to show themselves. Unqualified administrators put there because of their connections.
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