Swain returns as Brumbies hunt for bounce back after Chiefs defeat

The ACT Brumbies have been boosted by the timely return of Wallaby Darcy Swain for Saturday's clash with the Western Force.

Swain missed the start of the season with injury, returning for the Brumbies Runners last weekend.

He slots into lock, replacing Charlie Cale after the impressive number eight was ruled out following an 'off-the-ball incident' against the Chiefs according to a Brumbies statement.

The shuffle sees Tom Hooper shift to flanker, with Rob Valetini reverting back to the number eight role that he plays for the Wallabies.

Stephen Larkham has also switched his centres as Tamati Tua starts in place of Ollie Sapsford.

It comes after the team's 46-12 defeat to the Chiefs, their largest defeat under Larkham.

“It was very disappointing on Sunday but for us, it’s about coming in, reviewing and moving on," centre Len Ikitau told reporters.

“I think the boys are just excited to move on and come against the Western Force.

“(The six-day turnaround) is good because we get to move on to the next game straight away. It’s not a seven or eight day, it’s about getting make on the field and getting our knowledge down pact.”

 

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Brumbies centre Len Ikitau spoke to media in the lead up to this Saturday's home fixture against the Western Force.

Ikitau concedes the physicality of the Chiefs caught them off guard, adamant it will not happen again as they return home.

“I think the week leading into it we trained really well, we were on top of our detail and I think they just caught us by surprise with their intensity and physicality," he admits.

“They really got us in the end but I think it’s about moving on and taking on the Force.

“I think when we’re playing our best footy, we can beat any team in the competition. For us, it’s about building. It’s only the second round so we’re building and making the most of 2024."

The clash will also take on further meaning, with the Brumbies set to celebrate and remember the life of the late Gary ‘Quinzo’ Quinlivan with a moment of silence being held in his honour pre-match.

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Sosefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Darcy Swain, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan (c), Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright

RESERVES: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Cadeyrn Neville, Jahrome Brown, Klayton Thorn, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford