Noah Lolesio will make his return from injury in the cut-throat environment of the Super Rugby AU final after he was named in the starting XV by Brumbies coach Dan McKellar for the decider against the Reds.
Lolesio hasn’t played since the Round 3 win over the Waratahs, when he sustained a severe hamstring injury, but has recovered in time to take the no.10 jersey in the must-win match.
Bayley Kuenzle, who has played flyhalf in Lolesio’s absence, has been moved to the bench, forcing Wallaby squad member Len Ikitau out of the matchday side entirely.
McKellar has made another change in the halves, bringing Joe Powell into the starting XV for Nic White. White will come from the bench with Ryan Lonergan to miss out.
For the Reds, Jordan Petaia has overcome the head knock which forced him from the field in last week’s qualifying final victory, but there’s no such good news on the injury front for Chris Feauai-Sautia, who will miss the decider. As a result, Petaia will start on the wing and Hunter Paisami will take the no.13 jersey.
That’s one of two changes made by Brad Thorn to his starting side. The other comes in the front row, where Harry Hoopert has been moved to the bench and replaced by JP Smith.
Ruan Smith comes into the reserves, and Jack Hardy has taken the vacant backs spot on the pine after Paisami’s promotion.
Saturday, 7:15pm (AEST), GIO Stadium
Brumbies
1. Scott Sio, 2. Folau Fainga’a, 3. Allan Alaalatoa (c), 4. Murray Douglas, 5. Cadeyrn Neville, 6. Lachie McCaffrey, 7. Will Miller, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Tom Wright, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Tom Banks
Bench: 16. Connal McInerney, 17. James Slipper, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Nick Frost, 20. Rob Valetini, 21. Nic White, 22. Bayley Kuenzle, 23. Solomone Kata
Reds
1. JP Smith, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Angus Blyth, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Liam Wright (c), 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Tate McDermott, 10. James O’Connor, 11. Filipo Daugunu, 12. Hamish Stewart, 13. Hunter Paisami, 14. Jordan Petaia, 15. Jock Campbell
Bench: 16. Josh Nasser, 17. Harry Hoopert, 18. Ruan Smith, 19. Tuaina Taii Tualima, 20. Angus Scott-Young, 21. Moses Sorovi, 22. Bryce Hegarty, 23. Jack Hardy
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
It's great to know who's playing, and that it's game on! Does anyone know where/ when this Final will be broadcast free to air in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest metropolis and queen of cities? I have looked ahead but cannot find it in the TV program listings, even delayed in between Macedonian News and Weekend Sunrise. I would head off to a pub but I do not have a signed note from the Premier, nor do I have that polticians' or billionaires' automatic immunity to coronavirus that allows them to travel. Advice keenly welcomed!
Daveski 2.0
Roar Rookie
This really annoys me Brett. Best TMO by a mile is the bloke who provides the answer almost before the ref has asked the question. The last game Leckie did he missed the Swinton shoulder to head and missed Meakes going into touch before he offloaded for the crucial Rebs try. This hardly looks like an appointed based on merit.
Adsa
Roar Rookie
I'm going aged Domenican rum, ice and a touch of ginger beer.
Adsa
Roar Rookie
McCaffery gives away penalties as well.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
I pretty much agree, Olly. I thought as I watched the game that the Brumbies were trying out what they could achieve with an attack coming from deep. But now I think you could be right - they were maybe just hiding their real intentions, knowing they’d have 2 weeks to work on the real game plan. We’ll see real soon now.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
Thanks Jez. Glad to know I was not just having a senior moment.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Thanks for this year, lads. I do hope that you return when the Test season starts (in whatever form). I feel genuinely excited about this final. Clearly the two best teams in OZ and it really feels - for me - like a 50/50-contest. I am pretty certain we will see levels of physicality we have not seen earlier this year. And I would be mighty surprised if Rennie will not build his Wallabies side on players from these two teams mainly. I get all the reasons why OZ should have 5 SR teams (or even try to have their own domestic league) but the Brumbies and the Reds are the two teams I would like to see play against Kiwi sides regularly right now. Brumbies have been quality for years and the Reds bring a real challenge with their forward mongrel (and they get better and better). Final prediction: Reds by two points.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the reply Greysy. I'm just hoping his stats tomorrow night are on the better side of the ledger.
Greysy
Roar Rookie
Don't know anymore details sorry. It's just the stat listed on rugby.com.au. outside centre is certainly a hard position to defend, I've noticed though that his positioning often isn't great. He's also come off the bench or gone off injured a number of times which makes the stat a bit more damning too.
Drew
Roar Rookie
Selections give me the impression that McKellar always had a particular approach in mind and very much presented a specific picture in the last game against the Reds.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
I wouldn’t have thought so, but there you go. How does that stack up as a percentage though? Is that raw figure because he has had more people running at him? Serious question. I’m not normally a stats person.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
Then best ref needs to be chosen for the game - male or female.
jameswm
Roar Guru
did you make that one up? Good headline if he guides them to a victory.
Greysy
Roar Rookie
Correct, 22 for the comp and 5 clear of the next worst tackler.
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
If I was brumbies I'd be pushing this HARD
jeznez
Roar Guru
Think he copped a few knocks. 18th minute challenge with Hodge as he tried to collect the offload from Jock near the try line. On first glance I thought a head knock but on review think it was the shoulder. 29th minute he carries and his head bounces pretty hard off the ground His final involvement about 30 seconds later he goes gingerly into a tackle against Wilkin, head in the wrong position and then goes off for the HIA. Think you are right and the initial damage was done on the carry.
Wook
Guest
Incorrect, he favours himself! ;-) #lookatme
tsuru
Roar Rookie
I thought I remembered seeing a replay of Petaia going down in a tackle and getting sort of whiplash with his head whacking the ground. Am I wrong?
Olly
Roar Rookie
Campbell and JOC can't tackle....Rubbish.
Olly
Roar Rookie
it is a shame Campbell didn't make it but I think he still might have a chance since DHP is clearly needing an off season to heal the body. TK will be out to prove a point.