Become a member to join in Australia's biggest sporting debate, submit articles, receive updates straight to your inbox and keep up with your favourite teams and authors.
Tom Wright of the Brumbies on attack during the round 10 Super Rugby Pacific match between Hurricanes and ACT Brumbies at Sky Stadium, on April 28, 2023, in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
The ACT Brumbies put their top-two hopes on the line when they take on the ladder leading Chiefs on Saturday night in Canberra. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm (AEST).
After a slip up against the Western Force last week where they rested a host of their big names, the Brumbies have recalled their big guns for this all important clash. Nic White is the only Wallaby not selected as he battles an injury picked up against the Highlanders two weeks ago.
It has been four years since the Chiefs last played in Canberra and were hammered in 54-17 loss and it may surprise a few that the Brumbies have won three of the last four matchups, with two of those wins coming in Hamilton.
Last year’s 38-28 win in Hamilton was a season highlight for the Brumbies on their way to a semi final and proves they have the game plan to challenge the visitors.
The Chiefs have their own All Blacks resting policy to deal with this week with Tupu Vaa’I and Anton Lienert-Brown given the week off but have named an impressive side. The one change to keep an eye on is Josh Ioane coming into the 10 jersey for Damian McKenzie who takes his place at fullback. This move may show the Chiefs hand as McKenzie can prove to be a handful with his counter-attack and the Brumbies tactical kicking will need to be accurate to nullify his attacking threats.
With cool conditions expected, the home side will need a fast start to avoid a repeat of last week where they found themselves 21-0 down. The addition of Len Ikitau will be key to unlocking the speed of Corey Toole out wide and his electric pace has kept the Brumbies in many games this year and has 7 tries for the season already.
Prediction This will be a close one and hopefully the home field advantage for the Brumbies sees them home by 2 points.
Game information Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra Kick-off: 7:35pm (AEST) TV: 9GEM Streaming: Stan Sport Odds: ACT Brumbies $2.45 Chiefs $1.55 – odds via PlayUp
Advertisement
Teams Brumbies (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright. Replacements: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Sefo Kautai, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford.
Chiefs (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Brodie Retallick, Laghlan McWhannell, Pita Gus Sowakula, Sam Cane (co-c), Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber (co-c), Josh Ioane, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Alex Nankivell, Emoni Narawa, Damian McKenzie. Replacements: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, John Ryan, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Daniel Rona, Shaun Stevenson.
