Achi news desk-
The ACT Brumbies are ready to trade blows with the Queensland Reds in what shapes as Australia’s rival for the Super Rugby Pacific game of the year.
The third-placed Brumbies travel to Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, where they will face a fifth-placed Reds side recovering from their shock loss to the Western Force last weekend.
The usually reserved Larkham did not shy away from the challenge of battling against the competition’s highest scoring side, suggesting that Wallabies jumpers would be on the line in the clash between Australia’s two leading sides.
“There has been a lot of speculation in the media about where the Wallabies team should come from,” he said.
“Which Super Rugby franchise should have the largest composition of Wallabies players.
“When we look at the game this weekend, we certainly have some challenges – one-on-one, positional groups, but also the challenge of putting together a really good performance.”
Larkham challenged his troops to match the high-octane rugby that the Reds – who have won 182 points so far – have been producing.
“That’s part of the Brumbies DNA, and I’m certainly pleased with the way the Reds have played this year,” he said.
“They are a team that has scored very good tries. They look very dangerous when attacking, in all aspects of the game.
“The game will evolve naturally that way, and we certainly want to play that way.
“The most important thing for us, especially when you travel, is to come away with a really good performance.
“Hopefully on the back of that performance, you’ll get the result you’re after.”
The Brumbies have named an unchanged 23-man squad for the trip north, recalling key forwards James Slipper and Lachie Lonergan to the starting line-up.
They continue without injured outside duo Andy Muirhead and Len Ikitau, both sidelined with knee problems.
In a particularly exciting back row battle, Brumbies talents Rob Valetini and Charlie Cale will join Reds Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight in a clear race for Wallabies selection.
