Larkham names Reimer in starting lineup as Brumbies prepare for Hurricanes qualifying final

Stephen Larkham has named Luke Reimer in the starting blindside role and Lachlan Lonergan at hooker as the Brumbies prepare to face the Hurricanes in a Super Rugby qualifying final in Wellington, making just two changes from the side that lost narrowly to Moana Pasifika the previous week.

Reimer’s promotion comes at the expense of regular starter Rory Scott, who drops to the bench, while Lonergan replaces fellow Wallaby Billy Pollard, who also moves into the reserves. The rest of the starting XV remains intact from last week’s outing.

The Brumbies finished sixth after 16 rounds of regular-season action and now face the considerable challenge of travelling to take on table-topping Wellington. The Hurricanes handed the Brumbies a 45-12 defeat during Super Round earlier in the season — the only loss Canberra suffered against New Zealand opposition this year, despite beating the other four Kiwi sides.

Despite that heavy defeat, the Brumbies have held the upper hand over the Hurricanes in recent playoff encounters, building a competitive rivalry between the two sides across the Tasman.

Larkham’s starting XV contains 10 Wallabies, giving the Brumbies an international edge over the Hurricanes’ eight All Blacks in the run-on team. That advantage extends to the bench as well.

Brumbies team to face the Hurricanes

James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Lachlan Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Luke Reimer, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Hudson Creighton, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright.

Reserves: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Nick Frost, Rory Scott, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Ollie Sapsford.