Overview
- Eight Irishmen, including Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Jamison Gibson-Park and James Lowe, bolster a backline chosen for Test-series consistency.
- Maro Itoje returns as captain in the second row alongside Joe McCarthy, with Ellis Genge and Tadhg Furlong anchoring the front row.
- Owen Farrell has completed concussion protocols but will sit out this match as he targets the upcoming AUNZ fixture.
- Stephen Larkham has named a Brumbies side without eight Wallabies, including James Slipper and Noah Lolesio, to give emerging players a platform.
- Coaches on both sides have made clear that only cohesive performances will earn jerseys, and the fixture also recalls the Brumbies’ 2013 upset in Canberra.