Ikitau and Reimer return as Brumbies brace for Hurricanes showdown

After missing last weekend’s shutout 24-nil win over Moana Pasifika, Wallabies Len Ikitau and Luke Reimer are back in the mix for the ACT Brumbies, having been named in the run-on side to face the Hurricanes in Canberra this weekend.

Coach Stephen Larkham has made four changes to the starting side that beat Moana, with James Slipper and Billy Pollard also returning to the First XV. The Brumbies are back at home after recording two wins on the road.

Captain Allan Alaalatoa joins Slipper and Pollard in the front row, while Nick Frost and Tom Hooper round out the tight five as the two locks. Rob Valetini, Reimer and Tuaina Taii Tualima are the three starting loose forwards for this round 11 clash.

In the backs, Ryna Lonergan partners fly-half Noah Lolesio in the halves, with David Feliuai retained at inside centre. Outside of Ikitau at No. 13 is the familiar trio of Corey Toole and Andy Muirhead on the wings, with Tom Wright at fullback.

“Last weekend gives us massive confidence, especially in and around the defence part of our game,” Alaalatoa said.

“To keep Moana out, who are a great attacking side, I think that was a massive effort for a lot of our boys. Especially with the discipline that we showed, we had two yellow cards and we still kept them to zero. So that was a positive, but we also understand that this weekend posses a lot of different threats, which we’re aware of.

“We have to make sure we’re on top of our game against the Hurricanes.

“It’s going to be a physical game up front. You’ve got to earn the right against these blokes and I don’t think it’ll be any different for this weekend. IT’s going to be a great game and I think both teams will represent Anzac well.”

The Brumbies sit in third place on the Super Rugby Pacific standings, while the Hurricanes sit just outside a playoff spot in seventh. Last weekend, the Canes and Force couldn’t be separated in Super Point as they were held to a 17-all draw.

This match at Canberra’s GIO Stadium will get underway at 7:35 pm AEST on Saturday evening.