Wallaby Tom Hooper backs up for Brumbies against Lions after Fiji clash

Wallabies utility Tom Hooper is set to back up for the ACT Brumbies on Wednesday, just a few days after a thrilling Test against the Flying Fijians in Newcastle. Hooper has been named at blindside flanker ahead of a mid-week clash with the British & Irish Lions in Canberra.

Hooper played 12 minutes off the bench for the Wallabies, who beat Fiji 21-18 in a thriller, and has been granted the opportunity to represent the Brumbies one last time before heading offshore with the Exeter Chiefs in England.

Lachie Hooper has also been named in the Brumbies’ matchday 23, meaning the brothers could play together for the first time at the professional level. The 21-year-old is yet to debut at Super Rugby Pacific level but has been named on the bench for this historic fixture.

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“It’s been amazing to watch the growth of both Tom and Lachie over the past few years. And it’s special that they may get the opportunity to play alongside each other in a Brumbies shirt on Wednesday night,” coach Stephen Larkham said in a statement.

“Not only that, but it’s against a world-class team in the British & Irish Lions, who tour our country only every 12 years. They’ll be chomping at the bit to contribute positively to the team.

“The boys have been back in training for a couple of weeks and they are aware of how big an opportunity this is for them to take on the Lions. We’re under no illusions of the challenge that lies ahead, they are an incredibly strong and powerful side.”

Prop Lington Leli will pack down in the front-row alongside former Wallaby Lachlan Lonergan and Australia A representative Rhys van Nek. Lachie Shaw and Cadeyrn Neville round out the tight five as the two starting locks.

Hooper starts at blindside flanker, with Rory Scott lining up on the other flank at openside, and Tuaina Taii Tualima completes the formidable loose forwards trio at No. 8. Wallaby Luke Reimer is among those looking to make their mark off the bench at GIO Stadium.

In the backs, captain Ryan Lonergan will link up with Declan Meredith, while David Feliuai and Ollie Sapsford combine in the midfield. Corey Toole and Ben O’Donnell are the two wingers, while Andy Muirhead starts at fullback in the absence of Wallaby Tom Wright.

Prop Cameron Orr has been drafted in by the Brumbies, named on the bench. Orr has played for Gloucester, the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels, but suited up for the Seattle Seawolves in Major League Rugby this year.

The Brumbies beat the Lions 12 years ago at GIO Stadium and they’ll be eager to repeat those heroics on Wednesday evening. This match will get underway at 7:45pm AEST on Wednesday, July 9.

Fixture

British & Irish Lions