ACT Brumbies
62
Match Complete
Moana Pasifika
36
| R. Lonergan |  | 78 | ||
| C. Toole |  | 76 | ||
| R. Lonergan | | 72 | ||
| B. O'Donnell | | 71 | ||
| R. Lonergan | | 65 | ||
| A. Muirhead | | 64 | ||
| R. Lonergan | | 58 | ||
| J. Debreczeni | | 57 | ||
| 53 | | C. Leali'ifano | ||
| 51 | | S. Moli | ||
| A. Muirhead | | 45 | ||
| 43 | | C. Leali'ifano | ||
| 42 | | A. Motuga | ||
| N. Lolesio | | 39 | ||
| L. Reimer | | 38 | ||
| 35 | | F. Inisi | ||
| N. Lolesio | | 30 | ||
| L. Reimer | | 29 | ||
| 25 |  | C. Leali'ifano | ||
| P. Samu | | 21 | ||
| N. Lolesio | | 15 | ||
| T. Tua | | 14 | ||
| 10 | | C. Leali'ifano | ||
| 8 | | A. Motuga | ||
| N. Lolesio | | 4 | ||
| 2 | | C. Leali'ifano | ||
| 1 | | M. Faiilagi |
| 9 | Tries | 5 | ||
| 7 | Conversions | 4 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Brumbies will be out to continue their undefeated start to 2023 when they host the winless but improving Moana Pasifika. Join The Roar for live scores and rolling coverage from 7:45pm (AEDT).
The Brumbies know this will be a danger game after tasting defeat in Auckland last year in one of the upsets of the season, and will treat Moana with respect. The seven-day turnaround will help the side prepare after a taxing schedule in recent weeks, with big games against the Blues and Queensland Reds.
Stephen Larkham has named a strong starting side with minimal changes but has named several debutants among the replacements in forwards Charlie Cale and Jack Wright as they look to build depth within the squad.
Moana Pasifika might not have any wins on the board in 2023, but they should have secured their first win of the season against the Force last week and pushed the Drua in round one.
The return of Christian Leali’ifano to Canberra will give Moana extra motivation; the Brumbies will need to be at their defensive best to keep a physical Moana side at bay, especially with the likes of Timoci Tavatavanawai as one of the leading ball carriers in the competition so far and on top of the defenders’ beaten charts.
Their defence has put in some big shifts lately and it will be interesting to see if they can maintain that level of defensive toughness… if not, they’ll have ‘Lord’ Laurie Fisher to answer to in the Monday review.
Game information
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 7:45pm (AEDT)
Streaming: Stan Sport
TV: 9Gem
Betting: Brumbies $1.07, Moana Pasifika $8.00 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Brumbies (1-15): James Slipper, Connal McInerney, Rhys Van Nek, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Luke Reimer, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright.
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Tom Ross, Jack Wright, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ben O’Donnell.
Moana Pasifika (1-15): Abraham Pole, Ray Niula, Suetena Asomua, Potu Leavasa, Mike McKee, Miracle Faiilagi, Alamanda Motuga, Lotu Inisi, Ereatara Enari, Christian Leali’ifano, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Danny Toala, Levi Aumua, Fine Inisi, William Havili.
Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Taukiha’amea Koloamatangi, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Alex McRobbie, Solomone Funaki, Manu Paea, Henry Taefu, Anzelo Tuitavuki.
Referee: Graham Cooper
Tony Hodges
Roar Rookie
100%
Cec
Roar Rookie
Muirhead is a match winner with his smarts & reliability on both sides of the ball. Closest we have to a Mack Hansen. Should be part of RWC squad. Heads up try from Ryan’s tap & go; and was the linchpin for that sweeping try with the two 7s players down the left hand side.
Beefa
Roar Rookie
I think you will be right on the money. Gordon doesn’t deserve to be anywhere near a Wallaby jersey. But as we’ve seen before many times ,form doesn’t matter when Wallaby selection comes around for a certain team in pale blue.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Thought the same Wizz
Double Dribble
Roar Rookie
I reckon Muirhead on form over last 2 years is ahead of all of them bar Marika. Wright will play Fullback and Petaia will get the bench outside back spot.
Steve Lenthall
Roar Guru
Converted scrum half from way back
Double Dribble
Roar Rookie
Tony H. If Andy was wearing a baby powder blue jersey he would have made his test debut for Australia back in 2020 and at the very latest 2022. But we know Mark Nawantaese is the new RA and Sydney Rugby media's shiny new toy now.
Double Dribble
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately you are correct There is no way Gordon wont be going to the World cup. Tate or Lonergan will miss out.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Sometimes I'm ashamed of Australian perspectives. At least Drew said he was unqualified to answer (but went on to answer anyway). His ideal answer should have been, "Allanah, guide us through this..." I am yet to be convinced it is not sexism, when the producers arrange it all the time that the women ask the questions, to be answered by thee wise and all-knowing men.
Broken Shoulder
Roar Rookie
To each their own.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Ahead of who? Koroibete, Kellaway, Wright, Petaia or Nawaqanitawase?
jameswm
Roar Guru
No. Lonergan’s pass is much better.
Wolla Wotsa
Roar Rookie
Rennie never rated small talented wings. He always wanted braun over brain in the backs apart from 9 and 10. With Eddie he has a chance .I hope.
Wolla Wotsa
Roar Rookie
Gordon will still be selected in Eddies Squad as he is Waratah captain. You heard here first .
PeterK
Roar Guru
agree IMO McDermott has dropped to 3rd and Gordon right out.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Ha. I heard Lonergan holidayed on the Goldie once. Won't that do ? :happy:
Broken Shoulder
Roar Rookie
Come on Bobby, you know I have to put a Queenslander in the top two.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
98 points says defence was sh#t, from both sides. Congrats Brums !
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Lonergan is now pushing White hard. Tate is 3rd and Gordon sitting in the stands !
FrancisF
Roar Pro
Steve Larkhan is trying out some new set plays and new combinations in preparation for next week. After 4 weeks, Moana Pasifika has good and experienced players but has not properly gel into a unitary force. The backline had little space to run with the ball… and as such, had little opportunity for acceleration with the ball. Moana Pasifika played like a gentlemen team… a hard to win strategy in this game with a thuggish code.