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The ACT Brumbies are looking to build on their big win over the Queensland Reds last week when they take on a dangerous Fijian Drua side in Canberra on Friday night. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm (AEST).
The Brumbies head into this clash with four changes from the side that cracked the 50-point mark against the Reds last week. It’s a new look second row pairing with Darcy Swain gaining his first start in 2023 to join Sam Thomson with Cadeyrn Neville given the week off. Thomson will be playing his first minutes of 2023 after being an unused substitute in the Waratahs game two weeks ago.
With Corey Toole ruled out with concussion, Ben O’Donnell gets a start on the left wing and Ollie Sapsford gets the 12 jersey to partner Len Ikitau in the centres.
The Fiji side will be refreshed after having the bye last week and come into this game full of confidence after their last start win over the Melbourne Rebels in Fiji.
The Drua are in the top two for offloads in the competition and will look at the Moana Pasifika blueprint to disrupt the Brumbies style of play when they racked up 36 points with some brilliant counter attacking play.
However, the Fijians will need to be disciplined against a structured Brumbies side as they are the least penalised side and are known for punishing ill-discipline with a strong maul. The Brumbies were eventually able to weather the Moana storm and just like in last week’s game against the Reds, they ran away with it in the final 20 minutes to put the icing on the cake.
Conditions in Canberra will be cool on Friday so will favour the home side. At least it is not being played in June so that is a small win for Mick Byrne’s side.
Prediction: This could be seen a danger game for the Brumbies with the bye looming, but the way coach Stephen Larkham has his side playing right now they should come away with a win.
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Game information Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra Kick-off: 7:35pm (AEST) Streaming: Stan Sport Odds: ACT Brumbies $1.06 Fijian Drua $10 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Brumbies (1-15): J. Slipper, L. Lonergan, A. Alaalatoa (c), D. Swain, S. Thomson, R. Valetini, R. Scott, P. Samu, R. Lonergan, N. Lolesio, B. O’Donnell, O. Sapsford, L. Ikitau, A. Muirhead, T. Wright Replacements: B. Pollard, B. Schoupp, R. Van Nek, N. Frost, L. Reimer, N. White, J. Debreczeni, D. Meredith
Drua (1-15): L. Natave, Z. Togiatama, S. Tawake, I. Nasilasila, T. Cirikidaveta, J. Tamani, K. Salawa, E. Canakaivata, P. Matawalu, T. Tela (c), T. Samusamuvodre, K. Ravouvou, I. Masi, E. Sau, K. Taliga Replacements: M. Dolokoto, H. Hetet, J. Koroiduadua, L. Rotuisolia, R. Nasove, P. Baselala, M. Naitokani, I. Droasese
