ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham couldn’t hide his disappointment after confirming Wallabies hopeful Blake Schoupp will not play again in 2025 after a ruptured Achilles.
Schoupp snapped his Achilles in a scrum during their win over the Queensland Reds last week.
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Larkham confirmed the 27-year-old was set to start Saturday’s game against Moana Pasifika in Pukehoke, with James Slipper named on the bench after his 75-minute effort last week.
“It came out of the blue, obviously a lot of force coming through the scrum, took a backwards step and then his Achilles snapped, but he had been in really good form,” Larkham said to reporters.
“I think that combination that he'd been building through the year with the guys that come off the bench was building nicely this season.
“There was a plan to start him this week to get him a little bit more game time, so yeah, it's very disappointing for him.”
Rhys van Nek starts in his place for the first time this year, swapping from his usual position at tight-head prop.
“When you look at the makeup of your squad, you normally like to carry one or two props that can swap over,” Larkham explained.
“Slips in the past has crossed over to the tight head side and we know that Rhys, we played in the semi-final against the Blues last year with Rhys at loosehead, so he's on our books as someone who can cover both positions.
“It'll be his first start on the loose head side this year as well so there's a fair challenge in front of him but he's done it before."
Len Ikitau will also spend time on the sidelines after his concussion, with Larkham calling him “one of our standout Wallaby players this year.”
The Brumbies were on guard for the expansive Moana Pasifika, who are the standout second-half team in the competition.
“If you just compare their form to last year, they’re a completely different team and capable of beating anyone,” he added.
“They've proven throughout the season that they're capable of scoring tries. If you look at their stats in the second half of games, they've scored 28 tries in the second half, we're next best with something like 22 tries in the second half.
"We know the threat that they pose in terms of their ability to bring players off the bench to find their rhythm in the second half.”
BRUMBIES (1-15): Rhys van Nek, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Hudson Creighton
