1
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
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Ulster confirm a nine-strong leavers list that includes Dave Ewers
3
Ireland have at last reacted to the Eben Etzebeth 'arrogance' claim
4
The non-Springbok Ben Tameifuna labels one of world's best scrummagers
5
Latest Comments
If stormers aren’t available. Based on form and likely availability at the time of the wales Test, you’d think Masuku would be a no-brainer to start. But starting Jordan also makes sense having Masuku come off the bench to close out the game. I’d start Jordan with his brother Jaden. Masuku and Nohamba off the bench.
Go to commentsGlad Tom Curry not playing needs time to recover such a great player also his brother Ben how well is he playing now .
Go to comments