• Welcome to the Green and Gold Rugby forums. As you can see we've upgraded the forums to new software. Your old logon details should work, just click the 'Login' button in the top right.

Round 5: Brumbies v Moana Pasifika. Fri 7.35PM AEDT @ GIO Stadium

Tomikin

Tomikin

Simon Poidevin (60)
Slim 293 said:
No Ikitau, Muirhead or Schoupp for a couple of weeks, as well as AAA still out...

MP (Moana Pasifika) (Moana Pasifika) at home still achievable, but I'm dreading the Reds the following week.
Click to expand...
We do what we must, be interesting to see the team list. Heard Jack D's back training so maybe fullback with Wright to the wing. Ollie and Tai in the centres
 
Brumby Runner

Brumby Runner

David Wilson (68)
Will be interesting to see who gets the bench LHP spot. The more experienced Fred Kaihea or the promising Harry Vella?

I think I'd prefer to see Vella with a shot against MP (Moana Pasifika).
 
Rudderless

Rudderless

Ron Walden (29)
Head Coach Stephen Larkham has been forced into making changes after revealing Andy Muirhead (Knee), Len Ikitau (Knee) and Blake Schoupp (Shoulder) had succumbed to injuries in the club's Round 4 Super Rugby Pacific match in Dunedin.

Canberra Royal's Harry Vella will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut in the front row. Vella has made a strong impression on ACT rugby since joining the Brumbies Pathways program in 2021. The Nudgee College product battling injuries before performing in preseason and recent 2024 ACT Brumbies Runners matches.

Vella will join Billy Pollard and Sosefo Kautai in the front row, the latter extending his time with the Brumbies to the end of 2025.

Darcy Swain will skipper the side for the first time in his career, a welcome reward for the lock who made the move to the Nation's Capital in 2016. Swain combines with Cadeyrn Neville, who was instrumental in the Brumbies victory last weekend.

Charlie Cale makes a welcome return from injury, with Rob Valetini to pair with Jahrome Brown on the flanks. Harrison Goddard will start for the first time since shifting to Canberra, while Noah Lolesio has been named at flyhalf.

Tamati Tua continues at inside centre, linking up with Hudson Creighton who will make his first appearance for the club in 2024. The versatile Ollie Sapsford replaces Muirhead on the right wing, with Corey Toole and Tom Wright rounding out the backline.

Larkham has named a strong bench, which played a big part in last weekend's result against the Highlanders. Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper and Rhys Van Nek were exceptional in their involvement last Saturday.

Luke Reimer also returns to the line-up, joining Wallabies representative's Nick Frost and Tom Hooper who will provide plenty of starch off the bench. Larkham opting for a 6-2 split with Ryan Lonergan and Declan Meredith covering the backs.

Starting XV

  1. Harry Vella (Canberra Royals)
  2. Billy Pollard (Uni-Norths Owls)
  3. Sosefo Kautai (Canberra Royals)
  4. Darcy Swain (C) (Tuggeranong Vikings)
  5. Cadeyrn Neville (Uni-Norths Owls)
  6. Rob Valetini (Tuggeranong Vikings)
  7. Jahrome Brown (Gungahlin Eagles)
  8. Charlie Cale (Uni-North Owls)
  9. Harrison Goddard (Queanbeyan Whites)
  10. Noah Lolesio (Tuggeranong Vikings)
  11. Corey Toole (Gungahlin Eagles)
  12. Tamati Tua (Queanbeyan Whites)
  13. Hudson Creighton (Queanbeyan Whites)
  14. Ollie Sapsford (Uni-Norths Owls)
  15. Tom Wright (Western Districts)
Finishers

16. Lachlan Lonergan (Tuggeranong Vikings)
17. James Slipper (Queanbeyan Whites)
18. Rhys Van Nek (Uni-Norths Owls)
19. Nick Frost (Queanbeyan Whites)
20. Tom Hooper (Tuggeranong Vikings)
21. Luke Reimer (Western Districts)
22. Ryan Lonergan (VC) (Tuggeranong Vikings)
23. Declan Meredith (Western Districts)
 
Rudderless

Rudderless

Ron Walden (29)
A Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench is on the cards for ‘Ikale Tahi International Semisi Paea.

The exciting back-rower previously played in Major League Rugby for the New England Free Jacks and is now set to make his mark on this side of the world.

Moana Pasifika Scrum Coach Pauliasi Manu said: “Semisi has worked hard and earned his spot. He had a good preseason and really presented himself. He’s got the physicality and is really strong over the ball,” said Manu.

Christian Lealiifano will return to his old stomping ground where he played 12 seasons amassing 150 Super Rugby matches.

The inspirational leader gets the start at Fly-half for the second consecutive week, following a dominant performance in the team’s win over the Force in Perth.

D’Angelo Leuila and Pepesana Patafilo will combine for the midfield partnership. Hooker Samiuela Moli and Prop Sione Mafileo are also named in the starting lineup.

Michael Curry and Fine Inisi both get their first run of 2024, meanwhile Tomasi Maka is also named in the reserves.

This will be Moana Pasifika’s third and final match on Australian soil this season. After consecutive weeks on the road they will return home for a special Easter Weekend match against the Blues at Eden Park

1710905140468.jpeg
 
Wilson

Wilson

David Codey (61)
Brumbies have mostly looked their best this year so far, but the changes for this game haven't done anything to improve their defensive frailties. It shouldn't make much difference to the result but if they don't come away with a bp Larkham will be kicking himself.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top