Fijian Wallabies backrower Rob Valetini has been named to start for the ACT Brumbies side for their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific semi final clash against table-toppers the Chiefs in Waikato tonight.
Valetini who is originally from Galoa in Kadavu played 14 games in the 17 matches that the Brumbies played in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season and has started in all of them.
The 24-year-old will be looking to help his side create history by being the first Australian side to win a playoffs match on New Zealand soil.
Valetini is the younger brother of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua flyhalf Kemueli Valetini.
Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham has named a strong side to try and topple the Chiefs on their home soil.
The Brumbies starting lineup are:
James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Sefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Hooper, Pete Samu, Rob Vlaetini, Nic White ©, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright.
The impact players are:
Connal Mcinerney, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio and Corey Toole.
The Brumbies will take on the Chiefs at 7.05pm tonight.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders beat the Blues 52-15 last night in the first semi-final.
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