The setbacks keep coming for the ACT Brumbies ahead of their blockbuster Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final against the Hurricanes, with star winger Corey Toole ruled out with an ankle injury.
Their biggest X-factor talent joins injured captain Allan Alaalatoa on the sidelines, while gun five-eighth Noah Lolesio will come off the bench on Saturday in Canberra as he returns from concussion symptoms suffered a fortnight back.
It’s not the news the Brumbies needed as they try and keep their season alive, tasked with beating a Hurricanes side that has already beaten them this campaign, albeit in New Zealand.
Coach Stephen Larkham considered rushing the explosive Toole back but instead chose to back-in the players who were able to train early in the week.
It’s the same story with Lolesio, Larkham starting Jack Debreczeni in the halves alongside halfback Nic White based on their combinations in training.
“When you look at the team we've picked, it's on … combinations of the guys who could train through the week and all the guys that have been in form,” Larkham said.
“‘Tooley would certainly be in there in terms of form but we just didn't have the time this week to get him out there in the combinations we need to see.
“We considered everything with Corey, he's been outstanding for us this year.
“The smart thing for him right now is to continue his rehab to hopefully get in a position where he's available next week.”
Ollie Sapsford shifts from the centres to cover the wing, 23-year-old Wallabies bolter Toole having tweaked his ankle in the Brumbies' win against Melbourne on the weekend after scoring an impressive early try.
It leaves the Brumbies with some serious bench punch, Lolesio set to close the game along with Wallabies halfback hopeful Ryan Lonergan, who will come on for White.
“We've had Noah and Whitey starting most games, with Jack and Ryan closing out the games, and we've switched it up a few times,” Larkham said.
“This is an opportunity now for Whitey and Jack to start ... we've been building for this all year.”
Hooker Lachie Lonergan and prop James Slipper return to greatly strengthen the Brumbies' front row.
Brumbies: James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Sefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Nic White, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright. Reserves: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Jesse Mogg.
