Brumbies welcome playmaker Lolesio back for Blues clash

Dan McKellar has made four changes to his starting side to take on the Blues in round 14 of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific, Noah Lolesio returning at flyhalf for the blockbuster top-two clash in Ngunnawal Country. 

 
Round 14 will see all of Super Rugby Pacific celebrating culture round, the Brumbies wearing special First Nations jerseys for their final home game of the regular season.  Recently re-signed openside Luke Reimer starts alongside Tom Hooper and Pete Samu, with Scott Sio and Folau Fainga’a rotating into the front-row.

 
Allan Alaalatoa leads the side from tighthead with Darcy Swain and Cadeyrn Neville continuing their partnership in the second row.
 

Lolesio and Nic White combine in the halves for the Blues matchup, with Irae Simone and Len Ikitau continuing in the centres. The unchanged back-three of Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright and Tom Banks completes the Brumbies starting selection.

 
Billy Pollard returns to the Brumbies gameday 23 after scoring the match sealing try against the Chiefs in round 12, with Sefo Kautai also returning from the finishers alongside James Slipper. Nick Frost continues to play a key role as the finishing lock with local product Rory Scott providing impact to the backrow.

 
Ryan Lonergan will finish the game at halfback, with Hudson Creighton and Ollie Sapsford completing the Brumbies matchday squad.
 

Brumbies head coach, Dan McKellar said: “We’re excited to get straight back home this week against a strong Blues side.”
 

“We reviewed the Crusaders game thoroughly and while we were disappointed with our error count, there were plenty of positives out of that game.
 

“Pleased to have Noah back this week and excited to see Luke Reimer get a start for what should be a cracking game for our loyal members and fans to get out to GIO Stadium and support the team.”

BRUMBIES TEAM FOR ROUND 14 OF SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC

1. Scott Sio
2. Folau Fainga'a
3. Allan Alaalatoa (C)
4. Darcy Swain
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Tom Hooper
7. Luke Reimer
8. Pete Samu
9. Nic White 
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Andy Muirhead
12. Irae Simone
13. Len Ikitau
14. Tom Wright
15. Tom Banks
 
REPLACEMENTS
 
16. Billy Pollard
17. James Slipper
18. Sefo Kautai
19. Nick Frost
20. Rory Scott
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Hudson Creighton
23. Ollie Sapsford