Captain Ryan Lonergan returns to lead Brumbies in Blues blockbuster


Captain Ryan Lonergan returns to lead the Brumbies into battle when they take on the Blues in a blockbuster top-three Super Rugby Pacific clash at Eden Park on Saturday evening.

With the Blues and Brumbies equal on 27 competition points, although the Aucklanders have a significantly better for-and-against, this is potentially the game of the round.

Lonergan, who was included in the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship squad last year, withdrew in the lead-up to the Brumbies’ last fixture against the Waratahs in Canberra.

Video Spacer

Rugbypass TV

Watch rugby on demand, from exclusive shows and documentaries to extended highlights from RWC 2023. Anywhere. Anytime. All for free!

Join us

But a fortnight has passed, and with the Brums set to take the field for the first time since, Lonergan will be there to lead the team onto the field at the world-famous Eden Park.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Average Points scored

Coach Stephen Larkham has made three changes to the starting side with Cadeyrn Neville’s inclusion at lock and Jahrome Brown at openside flanker being the other two.

The Brumbies have gone with the exact same front-row with record-holder James Slipper, Billy Pollard and Sosefo Kautai set to wearing jerseys No. 1 to 3.

Darcy Swan will pack down alongside Cadeyrn Neville in the second row, while Rob Valetini, Brown and rising star Charlie Cale make up a formidable loose forwards trio.

Captain Lonergan will link up with Noah Lolesio in the halves once again, while Tamati Tua and Hudson Creighton will stat again in the midfield.

Former SVNS star Corey Toole will wear the No. 11 jumper, New Zealand-born Ollie Sapsford the No. 14, and Tom Wright rounds out the starting side with the No. 15.

This blockbuster clash at Eden Park is scheduled to get underway at 5:05 pm AEST on Saturday.

Brumbies to take on Blues

  1. James Slipper
  2. Billy Pollard
  3. Sosefo Kautai
  4. Darcy Swain
  5. 5. Cadeyrn Neville
  6. Rob Valetini
  7. Jahrome Brown
  8. Charlie Cale
  9. Ryan Lonergan
  10. Noah Lolesio
  11. Corey Toole
  12. Tamati Tua
  13. Hudson Creighton
  14. Ollie Sapsford
  15. Tom Wright

Replacements

  1. Connal McInerney
  2. Blake Schoupp
  3. Rhys Van Nek
  4. Nick Frost
  5. Tom Hooper
  6. Luke Reimer
  7. Harrison Goddard
  8. Jack Debreczeni





Source link: https://www.rugbypass.com/news/captain-ryan-lonergan-returns-to-lead-brumbies-in-blues-blockbuster/

Sponsors

spot_img

Latest

Arsenal vs West Ham free live stream: London rivals clash in FA Youth Cup final as Jack Wilshere’s Gunners chase eighth title

Arsenal will look to kickstart a run of silverware across all levels this season when they host West Ham in the FA Youth...

De'Anthony Melton with a deep 3 vs the Washington Wizards

De'Anthony Melton (Philadelphia 76ers) with a deep 3 vs the Washington Wizards, 03/12/2023 Source link: https://sports.yahoo.com/deanthony-melton-deep-3-vs-004131513.html?src=rss

Novak Djokovic defends father after pro-Russia video incident: It was misinterpreted

Novak Djokovic insisted that his father Srdjan never intended to pose with pro-Russian supporters and that the entire Djokovic family is against...

Three potential trade destinations for James Harden

For the third time in less than three years, James Harden wants a trade.Harden opted into the $35.6 million final year of his...