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Western Force moves from Brisbane to Canberra. Where they were oh so close v Queensland Reds on their turf. But fell short by a few points in the end. As they look to overcome as the underdogs here.
While the Brumbies came off a week-long break. After a close loss also by the Reds at home in Week 4. They will need to catch up in order to stay at least in the Top 3. With dealing injury/suspension lists a worry that could see them lose again.
Brumbies did win against the Force 27-11 during Week 1 in Perth. And would want to do the same thing again. Force have yet to beat them in a long time. The away team would like to go one better with a 2nd win of 2021. In order to stay in contention towards the Finals berth.
Brumbies
Harry Lloyd gets to start at loosehead prop. Alongside James Slipper in the tighthead role. While Folau Faingaa retains at hooker. So does Darcy Swain & Caderyn Neville. And Rob Valentini on the blindside. Jahrome Brown replaces Tom Cusack at 7. And Pete Samu rounds at 8.
Nic White at scrum-half alongside Noah Lolesio. Mack Hansen & Andy Muirhead on their respective wings. Irae Simone & Len Ikitau in the midfield. And Tom Banks completes the Brumbies XV at full-back.
Subs
Lachlan Longeran behind Folau Faingaa at hooker. Fred Kauhea & Sefo Keutai in the props. James Tucker on the second row. Rory Scott at flanker/No.8. Ryan Longeran at reserve scrum-half. Reesjan Pasitoa alongside him in the 2nd choice No.10. And Issak Fines at utility back.
Western Force
Tom Robertson & Greg Holmes in the props. Felati Kaitu’u as the main throw-in/hooker. Jeremy Thrush & Sitaleki Timani on the second row. Fergus Lee-Warner & Kane Koteka in the flanker roles. And Brynard Stander completes the Force forward pack. He will skipper them at 8.
Tomas Cubelli at scrum-half. So does Jake McIntyre in 1st five-eighth. Marcel Brache prompted again from the bench to starting left wing. That is where he will replace Richard Kahui. Henry Taefu & Tevita Kuridrani on the midfield. Bryon Ralston stays on the right wing. And Jack McGregor replaces Rob Kearney at full-back. That sums up Force XV on Friday.
Subs
Jack Winchester at hooker. Angus Wagner & Santiago Medrano in the props. Ryan McCauley & Tim Anstee both at lock/loose forward. Ian Prior at scrum-half. Jono Lance alongside him at fly-half. And new signing from England it is Jordan Olowofela. He will be in reserve & look for some playing time later on at utility back.
Final Thoughts
Brumbies has unfinished business to catch up this Friday. Having came off a bye last week. They have the foundations needed with a balanced setup. Both in attack and defense that makes one of the successful teams in SRAU. Just needs to watch their discipline. Where the opposition have plenty of chances against them. And it will really hurt once the other team score. Brumbies have to avoid this if they are to return to winning tomorrow.
Western Force have a great defensive shape like the Rebels. Having seen them spot the opposition missed chances in the attack. And gave every chances to put as many points possible. Such as a few three-pointer penalty goals that kept them in contention. But they just need to remain patient going forward. It was not the case last week v Reds despite a very close matchup. As it will be the only weakness if the Force are to close out the Brumbies.
It will be another great game to watch between the reigning champions. And the Force who does not see themselves as a soft touch recently. But the Brumbies for me will return to winning ways by 8 points.
