ACT Brumbies Team – Qualifying Final vs Hurricanes

June 03, 2026
115
Ultimate Rugby

The ACT Brumbies have named their side for Friday night's Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

Head Coach Stephen Larkham has made two changes to the starting XV, with hooker Lachlan Lonergan and flanker Luke Reimer coming into the run-on side for the knockout clash.

The Brumbies head to New Zealand looking to continue their strong record against Kiwi opposition this season, having recorded victories over the Crusaders, Chiefs, Blues and Highlanders during the regular season. The Canberra side will also take confidence from its recent finals record against the Hurricanes, having won its last three post-season meetings against the Wellington outfit, including a victory in last year's Qualifying Final.

Captain Allan Alaalatoa will lead a side featuring a wealth of experience. The front row of James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan and Alaalatoa combines for more than 400 Super Rugby appearances, while Lachlan Shaw and Cadeyrn Neville form the second-row pairing.

Rob Valetini, Luke Reimer and Charlie Cale make up the back row, with Cale continuing his return from injury after making his comeback last week and looking to recapture the try-scoring form that saw him cross nine times in seven matches earlier this season.

Declan Meredith retains the number 10 jersey and will partner Ryan Lonergan in the halves, with David Feliuai and Hudson Creighton named in the midfield.

Corey Toole, who recently re-signed with the club through to 2028, starts on the wing alongside Andy Muirhead, with Tom Wright selected at fullback. Wright has consistently troubled the Hurricanes in recent seasons, making nine line breaks across his last six Super Rugby Pacific appearances against the New Zealand side, including at least one in every match.

The Brumbies bench has been strengthened by the return of Ollie Sapsford, who has recovered from a knee complaint to be included among the replacements. Sapsford joins a bench featuring Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Nick Frost, Rory Scott, Klayton Thorn and Tane Edmed, providing valuable impact and experience for the latter stages of the contest.

ACT Brumbies team to face the Hurricanes

1. James Slipper

2. Lachlan Lonergan

3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)

4. Lachlan Shaw

5. Cadeyrn Neville

6. Rob Valetini

7. Luke Reimer

8. Charlie Cale

9. Ryan Lonergan

10. Declan Meredith

11. Corey Toole