Chiefs vs Brumbies: Jacobson Returns, Slipper to Break Super Rugby Record

Canberra is set to host a historic Super Rugby Pacific match on Saturday as Brumbies prop James Slipper prepares to surpass Wyatt Crockett’s record for most Super Rugby appearances, reaching 203 caps. The match also marks the return of Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson following a hip injury, though the availability of loose forward Wallace Sititi remains uncertain due to a lingering hamstring issue.

Slipper’s milestone has been lauded by Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham, who emphasized the veteran’s enduring contribution to the team. “He just keeps going,” 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 locate in the game and we’re lucky to have him.” Reports indicate that Crockett intends to attend the match to acknowledge Slipper’s achievement.

For the Chiefs, Jacobson’s return is a significant boost after being sidelined. However, Sititi’s recovery continues to present a challenge. Chiefs coach Jonno Gibbes explained the cautious approach being taken with the player. “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.” Sititi has been limited to just 30 minutes of play this season due to the injury, with a previous return timeline of rounds 8-10.

The Chiefs will be aiming to continue their winning streak against the Brumbies, having won their last five encounters. They have also secured victories in three of their last four matches played in Canberra, although their most recent meeting at the venue was 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.