ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has named Wallabies skipper James Slipper to start in a semi-final rematch against the Blues.
Slipper came off the bench during their six-point win over the victory, with debutant Blake Schuopp impressing on debut.
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He is joined by Lachlan Lonergan (illness) and captain Allan Alaalatoa in an all-Wallaby front-row, looking to impose themselves against a rotated Blues pack that has completely changed its front row.
Alaalatoa reflected on their heartbreaking semi-final defeat to the Blues last June, with Noah Lolesio's potential game-winning field goal charged down by Ofa Tuungafasi.
The Brumbies skipper was confident they can take the lessons from the close defeat into 2023 under Stephen Larkham.
“I think the way we talk about already is making sure what we’ve learnt," he told Rugby.com.au last month.
“With ‘Bernie’ (Stephen Larkham) coming down, it’s about what worked because you have to understand we have a great program that gets you to the finals but we also have to understand we don’t just want to participate, we want to compete and win it.
“I think Bernie’s added great value in understanding what works but also identifying where he can add.”
Lolesio will once again start off the bench alongside Nic White, with Larkham rewarding Ryan Lonergan and Jack Debreczeni for their strong performances against the Blues.
Larkham understands the importance of getting consistent wins over the top Kiwi sides early in the season in order to cement their status as a title contender.
“The challenge for us is to do it consistently but we need to back it up first and foremost," he said.
“We know that in the history of Super Rugby, the New Zealand teams are at the top so we need to learn how to beat those teams.
“We took a step towards that last year but in no means resting on that. We’ve still got a long way to go before we’re comfortable as an outfit to compete with these teams.”
The Blues suffered a blow with influential backrower Akira Ioane set to spend a stint on the sidelines with a knee injury.
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Pete Samu, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
RESERVES: John Ulugia, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Ollie Sapsford
