Progress is slowly happening: What each of our Aussie Super Rugby teams must do to take the next step
There is a lot of hope around the country, but there's so much more work still to be done.
The Brumbies expect to face star imports Jonny Wilkinson and Sonny Billy Williams when they play French club Toulon in their final tour rugby match on Thursday.
Wilkinson, England’s 2003 World Cup-winning five eighth, is the club’s key off-season signing and could line up outside former Brumbies and Western Force halfback Matt Henjak and inside former NRL star Williams.
Captain Stephen Hoiles has recovered from a knee injury suffered in the 17-0 win over Perpignan to lead the Brumbies into the match, the fourth of their developmental tour to France.
Regular flyhalf Christian Lealiifano will start at fullback, allowing Matt Toomua to start in the playmaker’s role where he impressed while filling in for his injured teammate during the 2009 Super 14.
Toomua is joined by Australian Under 20s teammates Nic White at scrumhalf and Afusipa Taumoepeau on the wing while Andrew and Tyrone Smith continue their centre partnership for a third match on tour.
Tighthead prop Guy Shepherdson, hooker Anthony Hegarty and lock Sitaleki Timani have all been recalled to the run-on side after starting off the bench against Perpignan.
Brumbies: Christian Lealiifano, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Andrew Smith, Tyrone Smith, Francis Fainifo, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Stephen Hoiles (capt), Colby Faingaa, Henry Vanderglas, Sitaleki Timani, Ben Hand, Guy Shepherdson, Anthony Hegarty, Jerry Yanuyanutawa. Res: Nathan Charles, Salesi Maafu, Steven Noriega, Sokai Tai, Patrick Phibbs, Pat McCabe, Shaun Foley, Robbie Coleman, Josh Valentine, Ed Gower.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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