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Round 4: Highlanders v Brumbies. Sat 2.35PM AEDT @ Forsyth Barr, Dunedin

Rudderless

Rudderless

Ron Walden (29)
The Brumbies returned to the winner's circle last weekend in Canberra with a hard fought 22-19 win over the Western Force in Round 3. The club will look to build momentum heading into this weekend's match with the 6th-placed Highlanders.

Head Coach Stephen Larkham has made changes, naming Blake Schoupp and Billy Pollard in the front row, alongside Sosefo Kautai.

Cadeyrn Neville will make his first start in 2024, when he combines with fellow Wallaby Nick Frost at lock. Neville returns to the side after succumbing to a facial injury in the Brumbies Super Round encounter with the Chiefs.

Jahrome Brown has been promoted for his first start, joining Tom Hooper and Rob Valetini in the back row.

The remainder of the starting line-up is unchanged, with Ryan Lonergan leading the side from scrum-half. Noah Lolesio partners Tamati Tua and Len Ikitau in the midfield. Whilst Andy Muirhead, Corey Toole and Tom Wright round out the three.

An interchange bench consisting of Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper and Darcy Swain will provide plenty of experience for the Larkham coached side. Back-rower Rory Scott is in line to make his first appearance this year, while Harrison Goddard has been named after a two-try performance in the ACT Brumbies Runner's 31-all draw against Western Force A last weekend at GIO Stadium.

2024 Super Rugby Pacific – Round 4

Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies v Highlanders

Saturday 16 March, 2:35PM AEDT

Starting XV

  1. Blake Schoupp (Gungahlin Eagles)
  2. Billy Pollard (Uni-Norths Owls)
  3. Sosefo Kautai (Canberra Royals)
  4. Nick Frost (Queanbeyan Whites)
  5. Cadeyrn Neville (Uni-Norths Owls)
  6. Tom Hooper (Tuggeranong Vikings)
  7. Jahrome Brown (Gungahlin Eagles)
  8. Rob Valetini (Tuggeranong Vikings)
  9. Ryan Lonergan (c) (Tuggeranong Vikings)
  10. Noah Lolesio (Tuggeranong Vikings)
  11. Corey Toole (Gungahlin Eagles)
  12. Tamati Tua (Queanbeyan Whites)
  13. Len Ikitau (Tuggeranong Vikings)
  14. Andy Muirhead (vc) (Canberra Royals)
  15. Tom Wright (Western Districts)
Finishers

16. Lachlan Lonergan (Tuggeranong Vikings)
17. James Slipper (Queanbeyan Whites)
18. Rhys Van Nek (Uni-Norths Owls)
19. Darcy Swain (Tuggeranong Vikings)
20. Rory Scott (Canberra Royals)
21. Harrison Goddard (Queanbeyan Whites)
22. Declan Meredith (Western Districts)
23. Oliver Sapsford (Uni-Norths Owls)
 
Rudderless

Rudderless

Ron Walden (29)
After a thrilling two-week tour of Australia, the Highlanders are set to play the Brumbies at home in Dunedin. However, the team will take the field without the formidable presence of Hugh Renton, who sustained a high ankle injury in the previous week’s win over the Waratahs. Renton is expected to be sidelined for six weeks.

Highlanders Head Coach, Clarke Dermody is not without options however, and has chosen to reward Tom Sanders with his second start in the six jersey, while Captain Billy Harmon is reinstated at the openside flanker position. Nikora Broughton will shift to the back of the scrum for his second consecutive start of the season.

The upcoming match against the Brumbies not only marks the first Saturday afternoon game of the 2024 home season but also presents an opportunity for three players to make their mark in the starting XV. Jack Taylor, Cameron Millar, and Martín Bogado have all be selected in to start this weekend.

Jack Taylor, a mobile young hooker, will aim to impress in his first start, while local Otago player Cameron Millar will take charge of directing the team on the field and will relish the opportunity at home under the roof after missing the previous two games, but also, the travel involved with two weeks on the road.

Outside back, Martín Bogado, has earned his first start of 2024 on the left wing after a late return to the team following his inclusion in the Argentinian World Cup Squad and will be looking to stamp his mark on a hotly contested position in the outside backs.

Head Coach, Clarke Dermody, expressed his enthusiasm for returning home and emphasized the healthy competition within the team.

We’re gutted to have lost Hughy, he’s been a real asset on the field, but we have confidence in our other loose forwards to do their jobs. The same goes for Cam, he’s benefitted from two weeks at home training and playing for the development team and has now got his opportunity to prove himself as a starting 10.

“There’s nothing like being at back at home and we’re looking forward to putting on a good show for our fans – our Highlanders family – back at Forsyth Barr stadium on Saturday afternoon,” said Dermody.

The Highlanders play the Brumbies at 4:35 pm this Saturday at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Highlanders v Brumbies – 4:35 pm, Saturday 16th March, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

  1. Ethan de Groot
  2. Jack Taylor
  3. Saula Ma’u
  4. Fabian Holland
  5. Max Hicks
  6. Tom Sanders
  7. Billy Harmon (C)
  8. Nikora Broughton
  9. Folau Fakatava
  10. Cameron Millar
  11. Martín Bogado
  12. Sam Gilbert (VC)
  13. Tanielu Tele’a
  14. Timoci Tavatavanawai
  15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
RESERVES

  1. Henry Bell
  2. Ayden Johnstone
  3. Jermaine Ainsley
  4. Oliver Haig
  5. Sean Withy
  6. James Arscott
  7. Ajay Faleafaga
  8. Connor Garden-Bachop
 
Brumby Runner

Brumby Runner

David Wilson (68)
I think that's an all round stronger Brumbies side than last week's, but will still need some big improvements to be in with a chance of the win. I expect they will go a bit harder at the breakdown, and hopefully will have their lineout problems sorted. Good to see consistency with the backline selections, and if they are indeed trying new structures of play perhaps it will start to all come together this game or soon. Defence across the backline has been a big issue so far this season and will need to harden up, especially on the wings and at fullback.
 
Hawko

Hawko

Tony Shaw (54)
Hugh Renton is a massive loss. I thought he outplayed the Tah backrow comprehensively last week.
 
Dan54

Dan54

Tim Horan (67)
Looking forward to this game today. The Clan have obviously decided not to hide their youngsters, and seem to be giving a fair few a crack. I like the thinking, perhaps it time to see how they cope with a good team? I think there quite a few from looking who would just be out (if they all are) of being eligible for colts.
 
Tomikin

Tomikin

Simon Poidevin (60)
Dan54 said:
Looking forward to this game today. The Clan have obviously decided not to hide their youngsters, and seem to be giving a fair few a crack. I like the thinking, perhaps it time to see how they cope with a good team? I think there quite a few from looking who would just be out (if they all are) of being eligible for colts.
Click to expand...
Good team playing bad. There's been some pack changes hopefully fire the Brumbies into action.
 
Wilson

Wilson

David Codey (61)
That's a real let down when 3 players run into frame chasing the ball and they're all Highlanders
 
The Ghost of Raelene

The Ghost of Raelene

Andrew Slack (58)
Lonergan has such a great pass on him. Thinking who I’d rather for the Wallabies and Tates’ speed is undeniable but Lonergans’ delivery is top class. A lot may depend on who plays 10?
 
Wilson

Wilson

David Codey (61)
Ugh, that quick play was a decent call but only if you hold the ball. To waste it compared to where a kick for touch would've got you is terrible
 
Wilson

Wilson

David Codey (61)
This is a better start from the Brumbies but they're still capable of playing better. It was the tahs mistakes that the Highlanders thrived off of last week, if the Brums can cut them out of the game they should be able to take control here.
 
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