ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has welcomed back a host of Wallabies stars for Saturday’s clash with the Western Force.
James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Tom Wright, Nick Frost and Len Ikitau all return after they were rested from last week’s win over the Fijian Drua, over 500 Super Rugby games worth of experience.
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Meanwhile, Charlie Cale has overcome a shoulder injury to make his first start of the season.
“The selection for this weekend has been a bit of a headache after the Drua result. Everyone who came into the side for Fiji stepped up to the plate and delivered. It’s pleasing to have boys at our disposal that can come in and do a job for us,” Larkham said.
“However, it’s obviously fantastic to have the Wallabies back in our team. They bring with them vast experience and expertise at this level.
“We know of the huge task at hand on Saturday against the Force. They started off with a win last weekend and gave us a good game in our Trial at Marist College in Canberra, particularly in the first half. Our preparation has been, and will be, extremely thorough this week.”
Slipper and Alaalatoa start in the front-row, with Slipper bringing up his 184th cap to close in on Aaron Smith (185) for second place on the all-time appearance list.
Alaalatoa will meanwhile celebrate becoming the most capped Brumbies captain, having gone past assistant coach and former teammate Ben Mowen’s record of 52 at the end of last year.
Nick Frost returns to the second row alongside Tom Hooper, having finished the year for the ACT side via the bench.
Wright and Ikitau’s return offsets the loss of Wallabies flyhalf Noah Lolesio.
Lolesio was ruled out after a concussion during their victory over the Drua.
His place is taken by Declan Meredith, who will make his Super Rugby starting debut.
The Wests Lions product starred for the Brumbies during the preseason, scoring during their draw with the Waratahs.
Wright’s inclusion sees Ollie Sapsford move back into the centres alongside Ikitau, with Muirhead named on the wing.
Lachlan Shaw, Tuaina Taii Tualima and Hudson Creighton all revert to the bench after their impressive performance in the win.
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Luke Reimer, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Lachlan Shaw, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton
