ACT Brumbies
48
Match Complete
Highlanders
32
| N. Lolesio |  | 79 | ||
| P. Samu |  | 77 | ||
| N. Lolesio |  | 70 | ||
| N. Lolesio | | 66 | ||
| C. Toole | | 65 | ||
| P. Samu | | 61 | ||
| 59 | | F. Burns | ||
| 59 | | F. Fakatava | ||
| 54 | | F. Burns | ||
| N. Lolesio | | 50 | ||
| C. Toole | | 49 | ||
| 46 | | T. Umaga-Jensen | ||
| N. Lolesio | | 31 | ||
| D. Swain | | 29 | ||
| 27 | | F. Burns | ||
| 26 | | D. Lienert-Brown | ||
| N. Lolesio | | 22 | ||
| J. Brown | | 21 | ||
| 19 | | F. Burns | ||
| 18 | | J. Nareki | ||
| L. Ikitau | | 13 | ||
| 11 | | F. Burns |
| 7 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 5 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 2 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Brumbies are looking for back-to-back wins and to close the gap on the table-topping Chiefs when they play the Highlanders in Sunday afternoon Super Rugby Pacific action. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:30pm (AEST).
The Brumbies are back at home for the first time in a month and this time it is expected to be sunny for afternoon rugby on Mother’s Day.
The home side are leading a congested pack of four teams behind the Chiefs and control their own destiny as they strive to go one better in 2023 and secure a top two finish and the possibility of a home semi-final.
Continuity is the key for the Brumbies with only one change as Ollie Sapsford takes the place of Tamati Tua, who has been building slowly in 2023 among new teammates.
The contract news of Nic White has finally been put to bed this week and hopefully the weight of that saga has been lifted from his shoulders and he can play in the style he is known for.
It is a shame that Aaron Smith is absent from the Highlanders side as that clash would have been one to keep an eye (and an ear), on. Referee Graham Cooper may be breathing a sigh of relief having one less ‘assistant’.
The Highlanders have had a hard time of it in 2023 with several big losses, combined with a heavy injury toll not helping their cause. They are currently scrapping for the final spot in the playoff positions with the Melbourne Rebels and could play spoiler in the remaining games, but hopefully not this one.
The halves pairing of Folau Fakatava and Freddie Burns will need to have things go their way and cause what many would see as an upset win.
Prediction
The Brumbies did just enough to keep the Rebels at bay last week and will be looking to build on that display to put away the Highlanders. The absence of both Ethan de Groot and Aaron Smith from the Highlanders team are big boots to fill and it remains to be seen if they have the depth to do so. Brumbies by 13.
Game information
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 2:35pm (AEST)
Streaming: Stan Sport
Odds: ACT Brumbies $1.16, Highlanders $5.25 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Brumbies (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Frost, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright.
Replacements: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton.
Highlanders (1-15): Daniel Lienert-Brown, Andrew Makalio, Saula Ma’u, Shannon Frizell, Josh Dickson, James Lentjes, Billy Harmon (c), Hugh Renton, Folau Fakatava, Freddie Burns, Jona Nareki, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Fetuli Paea, Scott Gregory, Connor Garden-Bachop.
Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Ayden Johnstone, Jermaine Ainsley, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Sean Withy, James Arscott, Mitch Hunt, Jonah Lowe.
Referee: Graham Cooper
WEST
Roar Guru
He’s dominating the competition with meter’s carried 1,126, above Telea who’s sitting around thousand. Toole is also in competition’s top listers for clean breaks with 12. Larkham declaring he wouldn’t trade his winger for any player in the world.. But he’s not good enough for the Wallabies? Mate.. if he’s not in there, show how backwards Aussie rugby is.
James584
Roar Rookie
Ok, fair enough mate. :thumbup:
Filstrup
Roar Rookie
The tide is turning....
Crusher_13
Roar Rookie
If he is selected there is something seriously wrong with EJ. His defense is too hit and miss.
Filstrup
Roar Rookie
A few long faces across the Roar board.. Wait to see tomorrow’s usual Monday’s McLennan and AR bashing
Clippers
Roar Rookie
Agh yes, nothing beats a frozen mullet after sending it in the white room :laughing:
John Ferguson
Expert
OK sweet, I was merely trying to understand your view on the comp.
As a former mullet wearer myself I can attest to the feel good factor of a mullet in the wind. Felt particularly good skiing!
KiwiHaydn
Roar Rookie
More focusing on how average the Highlanders are. The Brumbies are the goods and deserve to be up the top of the table! :thumbup:
jcr
Roar Rookie
Gosh , with your factual knowledge it must make it so easy to coach .Are you coaching a super team at the moment?
James584
Roar Rookie
They scored 7 tries. Such a worry.
James584
Roar Rookie
Talk about faint praise.
Highlander
Roar Guru
He was really good That crush on Slipper was brilliant
WEST
Roar Guru
Hahaha if he’s not selected there’s something seriously wrong
Captain Pugwash
Roar Rookie
Yes I agree? Blues have been relatively awful compared to what they should be? I fail to understand the relevance of your comment
Clippers
Roar Rookie
It just needs consistency in how it will be called. personally, I like that if there is no player near touching them they can play on without releasing, regardless if they have knees or elbows hitting the ground. I like that the 10 was allowed to play on today, in my mind it’s like an ankle tap. This season I’ve heard Mertehns, Horan, drew Mitchell, all over the commentary get it wrong compared to what the ref calls it. If past international players of the game can’t even work it out, we’ve got an issue that needs to be addressed.
Rugbynutter
Roar Rookie
Two kiwi scalps this round…reds beating chiefs at home the most pleasing and unexpected…so much so went straight to the 4 minutes highlights first expecting reds would be well beaten and then watched full replay after the result known!
John Ferguson
Expert
Is that the same type of concern the Blues should have? They won by penalty try against a winless bottom of the table MP in their home city. I am just trying to understand.
Highlander
Roar Guru
Don’t ask Harry We will get a lecture !!
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
When was the last time there were four Oz victors in a round?