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Friday, April 26, 2024

Brumbies big guns return for Semi Final clash

The Brumbies will welcome back four Wallabies to the starting side for their Semi Final against the Western Force at GIO Stadium on Saturday night.

James Slipper, Nic White, Pete Samu and Irae Simone all come in for the do or die clash in Canberra.

Slipper will line-up at loosehead prop alongside hooker Folau Fainga’a and skipper Allan Alaalatoa in the front row. 

Samu returns at no.8 which sees Rob Valetini shift to blindside flanker with Rory Scott retaining the number seven jersey.

A Wallabies halves pairing of White and Noah Lolesio will again steer the side around the field while Simone’s return will rekindle the midfield combination with Len Ikitau.

Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright and Tom Banks make up an electric back three as they look to add to their combined tally of 10 tries this season.

The reserve front row consists of Lachlan Lonergan at hooker and Tom Ross at tighthead prop, with Scott Sio the loosehead replacement.

Nick Frost is the reserve second-rower with another Brumbies pathway product Luke Reimer in line for his Super Rugby debut off the bench.

Ryan Lonergan will again play a key role as reserve number nine, with Reesjan Pasitoa and Mack Hansen rounding out the game day squad.

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said he was thrilled for Reimer to get his chance and that the Force are more than worthy opponents.

“It’s good to see Luke get his chance, he’s been nice and patient and worked really hard for his club (Wests) over the past couple of weeks,” said McKellar.

“He’s excited and I know his family is heavily invested in his career and I know they’ll be excited and proud of him.”

“The Force have some momentum at the moment off the Rebels win and the Waratahs too and they played well against the Reds last week and they deserve their opportunity.

“At the end of the day it comes down to the team that turns up with greatest intent and wants to dominate the collisions and takes their opportunities, that’s who generally wins Semi Finals.”

The winner of this knockout Final will play the Queensland Reds in the Super Rugby AU Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday 8 May.

Click here to buy tickets to Brumbies vs Force.

BRUMBIES SEMI FINAL TEAM

1. James Slipper
2. Folau Fainga’a
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)
4. Darcy Swain
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Rob Valetini
7. Rory Scott
8. Pete Samu
9. Nic White
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Tom Wright
12. Irae Simone
13. Len Ikitau
14. Andy Muirhead
15. Tom Banks

REPLACEMENTS
16. Lachlan Lonergan
17. Scott Sio
18. Tom Ross
19. Nick Frost
20. Luke Reimer*
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Reesjan Pasitoa
23. Mack Hansen

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