Whilst not quite panic stations yet at the Brumbies after consecutive losses, the match against the Highlanders on Friday night is crucial as they attempt to get their season back on track.
The Brumbies are coming off a tough loss to the Rebels at home yet still lead the Australian conference but the gap on that lead has been reduced to just two points by the Waratahs, who have a game in hand.
The hosts have named a number of changes to the starting lineup for the must win clash. Returning to the side in the backline are Tevita Kuridrani and Jesse Mogg with Kuridrani’s strong running Mogg’s big boot will be welcome returns. As part of the reshuffle, Robbie Coleman moves from fullback to inside centre to accommodate the return of Mogg, as position he has filled before.
There have also been changes to the front row with the Smith twins, JP and Ruan, teaming up with Stephen Moore meaning Ben Alexander is part of the reserves. There is a new lock pairing of Jordan Smiler and Blake Enever with Sam Carter unavailable on compassionate grounds. The final change sees Ita Vaea named at number 8 after a strong game last week against the Rebels when used as a substitute which means Jarrad Butler drops to the bench.
There won’t be too many changes from the game plan from last week for the Brumbies but will need to be more accurate in key areas. The rolling maul has been used effectively for most of the season but was handled well by the Rebels last week.
The visitors are coming off a win over the Blues and are playing the Brumbies for the second time this year following their pre-season trial in Wagga in January where they ran out 24-19 winners in a close one. As they did in that game, the Highlanders are resting their Smith contingent of Aaron and Ben in addition to big centre Malakai Fekitoa but this time as part of the All Blacks resting program.
The won’t be too scared though to throw the ball around in typical Clan fashion and the Brumbies will need to on their game defensively to nullify the threats out wide.
Key Matchups
Lealiifano v. Sopoaga
Christian Lealiifano now has the chance to show what he can do at fly half with the unfortunate injury to Matt Toomua and perhaps show Michael Cheika that he does have versatility to play a starting role in the Wallabies backline with the World Cup around the corner.
Lima Sopoaga’s name has now come up as a bolter for the All Blacks World Cup following the knee injury to Aaron Cruden and now has the opportunity to put his name in the minds of the selectors.
Speight v. Osborne/Naholo
Two flying Fijians up against each other and you could possibly add in Naholo despite playing on the opposite wing. Speight has been a bit quiet on the try scoring charts in 2015 but has filled in at outside centre in recent games to cover the loss of Tevita Kuridrani and has done quite well in an unfamilair position.
If any of these guys get in open space, shut the gate.
Prediction
The Brumbies really need to win this game or their season could be in real trouble. A rejigged forward pack with the fringe should give those players a lift and the return of Kuridrani is vital.
The fact the Highlanders are resting some of their big names has me tipping the Brumbies by 8.
Teams
Brumbies v Highlanders
 |  | 
|
| JP Smith | 1 | Kane Hames |
| Stephen Moore | 2 | Liam Coltman |
| Ruan Smith | 3 | Pingi Tala'apitaga |
| Jordan Smiler | 4 | Tom Franklin |
| Blake Enever | 5 | Joe Wheeler |
| Scott Fardy | 6 | Elliot Dixon |
| David Pocock | 7 | James Lentjes |
| Ita Vaea | 8 | Nasi Manu |
| Michael Dowsett | 9 | Fumiaki Tanaka |
| Christian Lealiifano | 10 | Lima Sopoaga |
| Joe Tomane | 11 | Patrick Osborne |
| Robbie Coleman | 12 | Shaun Treeby |
| Tevita Kuridrani | 13 | Richard Buckman |
| Henry Speight | 14 | Waiskae Naholo |
| Jesse Mogg | 15 | Trent Renata |
| Reserves | ||
| Josh Mann-Rea | 16 | Ash Dixon |
| Allan Alaalatoa | 17 | Brendon Edmonds |
| Ben Alexander | 18 | Josh Hohneck |
| Rory Arnold | 19 | Joe Latta |
| Jarrad Butler | 20 | Gareth Evans |
| Joe Powell | 21 | Dan Pryor |
| Nigel Ah-Wong | 22 | Josh Renton |
| Rod Iona | 23 | Jason Emery |
| Location: | Friday 24 April 2015 | |
| Kickoff: | Fri 24 Apr 19.55 | |
| Referee: | Matt O'Brien | |
| Assistant Ref 1: | Andrew Lees | |
| Assistant Ref 2: | Damien Mitchelmore | |
| TMO : | Peter Marshall |
