Wallabies stars David Pocock and Allan Alaalatoa have been ruled out of the Brumbies’ crucial Super Rugby clash with the NSW Waratahs.
The pair suffered injuries during the ACT franchise’s 29-26 loss to the Melbourne Rebels last week and will not be risked on Friday night at GIO Stadium.
It is a major blow for the Brumbies, who are desperate to get their season back on track after slumping to a 1-3 record.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said the duo could miss up to two weeks.
McKellar confirmed their absences would count as a rest, with all Australian Super Rugby coaches having to sit out Wallabies players at times during the season ahead of the World Cup.
Prop Alaalatoa has been cleared of major damage to his wrist while Pocock is trying to manage a niggling calf issue which has troubled him since January.
Unheralded tighthead prop Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin will replace Alaalatoa in the front row, with Tom Cusack slotting into Pocock’s No.7 jersey.
McKellar is hoping for a similar result to the last time Pocock missed a game, where the Brumbies demolished the Chiefs 54-17 three weeks ago.
A third-straight loss would almost sink the Brumbies’ finals hopes not even a third of the way through the season.
The Rebels are top of the Australian conference with a 3-0 record while the Waratahs are second at 2-1 after defeating the winless Queensland Reds last week.
McKellar said his team was motivated to take down the Waratahs for the second straight time after the Brumbies won the final-round clash last year.
“It’s the Tahs at home, an opportunity to get stuck into the New South Welshmen, what more do you need to get excited,” he said on Wednesday.
“You’re playing against NSW whether it’s rugby, marbles or whatever. Yeah I’m a Queenslander, but I’m a Brumbies man now and there’s a dislike for the Tahs.”
After being rested last week, No.8 Lachlan McCaffrey is back in the starting side, while winger Andy Muirhead and centre Tom Wright make way for Lausii Taliauli and Irae Simone respectively.
Brumbies: Tom Banks, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Irae Simone, Lausii Taliauli, Christian Lealiifano (capt), Joe Powell, Lachlan McCaffrey, Tom Cusack, Rob Valetini, Sam Carter, Rory Arnold, Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin, Folau Fainga’a, Scott Sio. Res: Josh Mann-Rea, James Slipper, Tom Ross, Murray Douglas, Pete Samu, Ryan Lonergan, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Mack Hansen.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
I am looking forward to this game. Plenty of intriguing match ups .... Gordon v Powell, Hanigan v Valentini, Holloway/Simmons v Arnold, Dempsey v McCaffery, Foley v CLL, Folau v Banks, TPN v Faiinga, Newsome v Speight .... just hope the ref don't spoil it. As for Pocock the calf injury could be a blessing allowing more rest for his neck. I am not expecting Pocock to be fit for the RWC. I am expecting someone to twist his neck in a ruck or maul to take him out. I also reckon this will be his final Super Rugby season. I like what I have seen from Harry Johnson-Holmes so far. This bloke is still young and is going to get better yet. His scrumming is ok and his work rate is real good.
riddler
Roar Rookie
am worried for poey. would love him to be playing and we do need him for the wc more than any other player i believe. but his future health is the first priority.
FatOldHalfback
Roar Rookie
Pocock has been and still is a fine player but is he too much of an injury risk, for Wallaby selection, these days?
MonkeyBoy
Roar Rookie
I think he was a little hard done by last weekend at scrum time, his shape looked good his opposite number hinging for me. Jackson doesn't seem interested in scrums as a referee so as long as the ball is coming out scrums won't be too important.
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
Cusack played 8 and Pocock 7 last week.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Simone back in, for Wright. Taliaulin in on the wing for who - Muirhead? Is he dropped or injured? McCaffery in for who? Who played 8 last week? AA's injury is big. HJH could have been put under some pressure, though he is going pretty well. He could get on top, esp when Taf comes on. Should be a great battle all over the park.
Davie Drummer
Guest
Leuluaialii-Makin seems to give away a lot of scrum penalties when he comes off the bench. Hopefully starting this week he can settle in a bit better and be more effective at the scrum, because he gets through a lot work around the field when he is on.