ACT Brumbies received a traditional Fijian welcome of singing and smiles when they arrived in Nadi last night ahead of their clash with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua tomorrow in round 5 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific
However, the Australian side will be without several key players due to injuries.
Prop Rhys van Nek has sustained a thumb injury and will undergo further surgical assessment to determine the extent of the damage and a timeline for his return.
Outside back Ollie Sapsford has suffered a hamstring injury and is expected to be sidelined for three to five weeks as he undertakes rehabilitation.
Scrum-half Dan Nelson has fractured his fibula and will undergo specialist assessment in the coming days, although the injury is likely to rule him out for the remainder of the season.
Despite the setbacks, the Brumbies have named Andy Muirhead as captain for the match, leading the side from fullback.
Fijian-born prop Lington Ieli will make his first start for the Brumbies and his first appearance of the 2026 campaign.
He will line up alongside hooker Billy Pollard and debutant Darcy Breen in the front row.
Breen is in Canberra after a rugby journey that has taken him through Major League Rugby in the United States and New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship with Canterbury.
In the second row, Wallaby Nick Frost will make his first appearance of the season, partnering rising lock Toby Macpherson who earns his first start after an impressive debut campaign last year.
The back row sees Tuaina Taii Tualima retain his spot alongside Rob Valetini and openside flanker Luke Reimer, who has earned a start following strong performances from the bench.
In the halves, Klayton Thorn and Tane Edmed will combine for the first time in the starting line-up, with both players making their maiden starts for the club.
Midfielders David Feliuai and Kadin Pritchard will provide stability outside the new halves pairing while also offering attacking power through the middle.
Winger Corey Toole returns to the starting side after sitting out last week while managing a leg complaint.
He is joined in the back three by impressive debutant Kye Oates, who retains his spot after a strong performance last week, and captain Muirhead.
The bench includes Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Lachie Shaw, Rory Scott, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith and Hudson Creighton.
Head coach Stephen Larkham says the team has taken valuable lessons from last week’s defeat, and is ready to embrace the challenge of playing in Fiji.
The Drua will take on the Brumbies at 3.35pm tomorrow at 4R Stadium Govind Park, Ba.
In other games, the Hurricanes play the Force at 6.05 tonight, Crusaders will meet the Highlanders at 6.05pm tomorrow, the Reds meet the Waratahs at 8.35pm, while the Blues host Moana Pasifika at 2.35pm Sunday.
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