Waratahs coach Dan McKellar reflecting on his former employer
The Brumbies make one change
Just the one change for the Brumbies with Rory Scott swapping with Luke Reimer at openside flanker after last Saturday’s 35-29 loss to the Hurricanes.
This is a Brumbies team stacked with talent and the game could easily be won in the backrow, with Rob Valetini and Tom Hooper set to make a major impact alongside Scott.
The captain Allan Alaalatoa is playing some of his best rugby in a longtime and will provide a decent test for his Wallabies teammate Angus Bell at the scrum.
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, David Feliuai, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Tom Hooper, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Billy Pollard, James Slipper.
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
Allan Alaalatoa will be key for the Brumbies tonight in CanberraCredit: Getty Images
How the Waratahs are lining up tonight
The major headline for the Waratahs is the return of their captain and Wallabies halfback Jake Gordon. It will be interesting to see how long the veteran is given tonight, especially given the impressive form of Teddy Wilson.
Daniel Botha is given the starting role at tighthead with Taniela Tupou coming off the bench for NSW. Hooker Mahe Vailanu has recovered from a broken arm to take his place on the bench and add some serious experience to the Waratahs.
At fullback, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will face his first Australian opposition in Super Rugby and will have a showdown with his international teammate Tom Wright. Tane Edmed is recalled to the bench and will deputise for Lawson Creighton.
Who have you got?
We’re back in the nation’s capital
Good evening, it’s Jonathan Drennan here and I will be bringing you through tonight’s action from the nation’s capital.
The polling booths may have closed, the last crumbs of democracy sausage may have been hoovered up, but GIO Stadium has captured the mood by showing coverage of the election live before, during and after the game. Politics and sport are definitely mixing in Canberra.
Onto the game, the last time these two sides met in Sydney back in March, the Waratahs got a famous victory, snapping a 13-game losing streak and breathing much needed life back into one of the great Australian rugby rivalries. The former apprentice coach Dan McKellar got a win against the master Stephen Larkham.
Tonight, the Waratahs will be desperate not only to beat the Brumbies, but to get their first win on the road in Super Rugby. Far easier said than done, with the Brumbies almost at full-strength and desperate to keep in touch with the top of the table.
Earlier, the Wallaroos have got a great win away against Fiji, but it came at a cost, with star Waratahs winger Maya Stewart going down with a knee injury.
Joey Walton celebrates a try against the Brumbies in MarchCredit: Getty Images
