Fresh off a bye, the Chiefs welcome back captain Luke Jacobson, who had been sidelined with a hip injury, although there is some uncertainty surrounding fellow loose forward Wallace Sititi, as he continues to battle a hamstring injury.
Sititi has been limited to just 30 minutes of rugby this season due to the injury and while he’s been slated for a return between rounds 8-10, coach Jonno Gibbes admits it’s a difficult situation.
“Out of the bye week, [it’s] looking like he’s tracking in the right direction but the nature of the tour, the 28 players and just the timing of it was just decided for him to progress at home.”
Gibbes added that the team is feeling refreshed after the week off and a run of New Zealand derbies to start the season.
They will aiming to spoil the party in Canberra as Brumbies prop James Slipper will create history when he surpasses Wyatt Crockett as the most capped Super Rugby player in history with his 203rd appearance.
“He just keeps going,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said. “It’s a special achievement for anyone to get to 100, to get 150, to get to 200, and now to have the record in Super Rugby.
“He is a pretty special human and offers a lot to the Brumbies both on the field and off the field. One of the best leaders that you will find in the game and we’re lucky to have him.”
Some reports say Crockett will be making the trip to Canberra to pass the baton.
The Chiefs have won their last five straight games against the Brumbies, while winning three of their last four against them in Canberra, although the last two teams met at the venue in 2023.
Brumbies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Billy Pollard, 3. Darcy Breen, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Cadeyrn Neville, 6. Rob Valentiti, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Charlie Calei, 9. Ryan Lonergan (c), 10. Declan Meredith, 11. Corey Toole , 12. Hudson Creighton, 13. Kadin Pritchard, 14. Kye Oates, 15. Andy Muirhead.
Bench: 16. Liam Bowrn, 17. Blake Schoupp, 18. Tevita Alatini, 19. Toby MacPherson, 20. Luke Reimer, 21. Klayton Thorn, 22. Tane Edmed , 23. Austin Anderson Shape.
Chiefs: 1. Jared Profitt, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Reuben O’Neill, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Tupou Vaa’i (vc), 6. Simon Parker, 7. Jahrome Brown, 8. Luke Jacobson (c), 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Etene Nanai-Seturo, 12. Quinn Tupaea (vc), 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Leroy Carter, 15. Liam Coombes-Fabling.
Bench: 16. Tyrone Thompson, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. George Dyer, 19. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Lalakai Foketi.
