ACT locals and Brumbies pathways products Lachlan and Ryan Lonergan will start for the Brumbies against the Fijian Drua in round two of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific this Saturday at 2.35 pm at GIO Stadium.
The brothers first started together in the penultimate round of 2021, Nick Frost being the other addition to the Brumbies starting side for the Saturday afternoon clash.
Lachlan Lonergan scored the match-winning try against the Western Force in round one as the finishing hooker and slips into the starting front-row beside captain Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead prop and James Slipper at loosehead.
Frost will partner with Darcy Swain in the second row, with an unchanged back row of Rob Valetini, Rory Scott and Pete Samu taking on the Drua.
Ryan Lonergan was instrumental in leading the Brumbies attack in the closing stages from halfback and will combine with Tuggeranong Vikings teammate Noah Lolesio in the halves.
Irae Simone and Len Ikitau continue their centre partnership with Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright retaining their starting positions for round two.
Tom Banks starts at fullback after an impressive showing in round one on his return from injury.
Billy Pollard’s strong preseason is rewarded with his inclusion as the finishing hooker, with Brumbies centurion Scott Sio and Tom Ross the prop replacements.
Brumby 239 Ed Kennedy will cover lock with Jahrome Brown earning a place in the matchday squad as the back row impact.
Nic White will have an important role to play as the halfback finisher with the exciting addition of Chris Feauai-Sautia as the potential Brumbies debutant and Jesse Mogg completing the Brumbies selection for round two.
Brumbies head coach, Dan McKellar said: “We’re fortunate to be in a position to rotate some guys in for this week off the back of a hard-fought game in the heat against the Force.
“Our Runners team was outstanding in Sydney last Saturday and guys like Billy Pollard, Jahrome Brown and Chris Feauai-Sautia on debut get a crack off the back of that.
“We know we’ve got to be more accurate this week against the Drua but there was plenty to build on from round one and we’re excited to be back home again this week in front of our friends, families, members and supporters.”
BRUMBIES TEAM FOR ROUND TWO OF SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC
1. James Slipper
2. Lachlan Lonergan
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)
4. Darcy Swain
5. Nick Frost
6. Rob Valetini
7. Rory Scott
8. Pete Samu
9. Ryan Lonergan
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Andy Muirhead
12. Irae Simone
13. Len Ikitau
14. Tom Wright
15. Tom Banks
REPLACEMENTS
16. Billy Pollard
17. Scott Sio
18. Tom Ross
19. Ed Kennedy
20. Jahrome Brown
21. Nic White
22. Chris Feauai-Sautia*
23. Jesse Mogg
*Denotes potential Brumbies debut
The Brumbies will play the Fijian Drua in Round two of Super Rugby Pacific on Sunday, 22 February at 2:35 pm AEDT. Get your tickets now.
SOURCE: BRUMBIES/PACNEWS
