Seven Wallabies named for Brumbies clash with the Reds

The ACT Brumbies have named seven Wallabies in their starting XV to tackle the Queensland Reds at Ballymore in their Australian Provincial Championship (APC) match on Saturday.

Guy Shepherdson and Mark Chisholm join fellow Wallabies Nic Henderson, Alister Campbell and Stephen Hoiles in the forwards, while Mark Gerrard will link with Adam Ashley-Cooper in the backline.

Shepherdson, who made his Wallaby debut against Ireland in June, says he is eager to return to the Brumbies’ line-up.

“I’m really looking forward to playing some top-level footy after extensive training with the Wallabies and following the success of the team [in the APC],” he said. “I’m just looking to get as much game time as possible, scrum well, get as many touches as I can and try to continue the success of the side in the APC.

“Hopefully my form at the end of the competition will warrant selection on the Wallaby Spring Tour. But at the moment it’s just good to be back in a Brumby jumper and we’re looking forward to playing against Queensland.”

Shepherdson joins Henderson in the front row, along with hooker and try-scoring machine James McCormack, who has crossed the line in each of the Brumbies’ APC appearances.

Chisholm will start the match on the side of the scrum while Liam Shaw comes of the bench and will start at lock in the only other change to the Brumbies’ pack.

The sole change to the Brumbies’ backline sees Gerrard slot in at flyhalf, with Julian Huxley pushing to fullback. Tim Wright will start off the bench.

Huxley, who was outstanding for the Brumbies against the NSW Waratahs and Western Force, says he is keen to make an impact against his former province this weekend.

“While there’s no animosity, I’m desperate to play well against them,” he said. “You always want to beat the guys you know.

“I felt like I played my best football with the Reds this season and I’m hoping I can continue that with the Brumbies. I’m trying to approach my football with a ‘no regrets’ attitude and not worry too much about things like Wallaby selection. Obviously if you are on the right side of the scoreboard then opportunities are more likely to arise. But for the time being, I’m looking to contribute to the team and do my part for the Brumbies.”

Following their comprehensive 39-17 win over NSW last weekend, Brumbies’ APC coach Matt O’Connor is expecting another strong performance from the Reds.

“They were very impressive against the Waratahs,” he said. “They dominated the game and out-enthused NSW. I’m expecting them to better again this weekend on Saturday. In front of a home crowd we’re expecting them to take it to the next level.”

With the injection of new recruits, O’Connor says he is expecting his side to lift.

“I thought Shep [Shepherdson] was outstanding throughout the Super 14,” he said. “In my opinion he was one of the best front rowers in the competition and we’ll be looking for him to have the same work rate in the APC.

“As for Hux [Huxley], his decision-making and option-taking has been first-class in this competition. We’ll again be looking for him to control from the back against the Reds.”

John Ulugia will travel as 23rd man to cover for McCormack, who is expecting the birth of his first child.

APC Rugby - Match 6

Queensland Reds vs ACT Brumbies
Ballymore Oval, Brisbane
Saturday, September 23
Kick-Off: 4:00pm (local/AEST time)