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Charlie Cale returns for Brumbies' quarter-final against Highlanders
By Ned Lester
The Brumbies are primed for playoff action with a hungry squad ready to defend home soil against the Highlanders in Saturday's final quarter-final.
Coach Stephen Larkham has named a familiarly formidable matchday 23 for the occasion, backing his tried and tested talent with the added boosts of Charlie Cale and Jahrome Brown who return after respective sideline spells.
Harry Vella will make a start in the No. 1 jersey in the place of a run of injured Brumbies props, joining Billy Pollard and Allan Alaalatoa.
Darcy Swain and the versatile Tom Hooper make up the second row, while Cale and Brown combine with Rob Valetini in the back row.
Ryan Lonergan and Noah Lolesio resume their halves partnership and will feed the well-rounded and destructive midfield partnership of Tamati Tua and Len Ikitau.
The electric back three of Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright round out the starting XV.
Brumbies team to face the Highlanders
- Harry Vella
- Billy Pollard
- Allan Alaalatoa (C)
- Darcy Swain
- Tom Hooper
- Rob Valetini
- Jahrome Brown
- Charlie Cale
- Ryan Lonergan
- Noah Lolesio
- Corey Toole
- Tamati Tua
- Len Ikitau
- Andy Muirhead
- Tom Wright
Finishers
16. Liam Bowron
17. Rhys van Nek
18. Sosefo Kautai
19. Nick Frost
20. Luke Reimer
21. Harrison Goddard
22. Jack Debreczeni
23. Ollie Sapsford
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Latest Comments
The “sameness” was caused by appointing Hansen’s mini-me, Foster, above his competency level. Foster’s 50% win rate as Head Coach of the Chiefs for 8 years, should’ve been instructive. He & his personally selected & targeted coaches then proceeded to coach the ABs into mediocrity for the best part of 3 seasons before the NZRFU took drastic action. Foster left the ABs role with a 69.57% win rate; the worse of those who had coached the ABs for a minimum of 30 tests, & 40 tests. Out of the 25 ABs Head Coaches, he ranks 20=. It’s going to take a huge effort for Razor & Scooter to squeeze the Foster stink out of the ABs environment, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, & professionally. With the likes of Ardie, Reiko, & others using descriptors such as “energising” & “refreshing”, is a good start. For now, just win. ABs by 1pt will do me.
Go to commentsHis record as an All Black is not good enough to warrant the change to the eligibility rules. G Fox winning percentage 90% average over 10 points per game DW Carter winning percentage 88% average over 10 points per game AR Hewson winning percentage 84% average over 10 per game AW Cruden winning percentage 88% CJ Spencer winning percentage 77 % average 8.3 points per game DB Clarke winning percentage 77 % average 8.3 points per game R Mounga winning percentage 70% average 8.3 points per game. Time to move on.
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