One week out from the new Super Rugby Pacific season, the ACT Brumbies have made a statement with a stunning 45-12 win over the Western Force in a pre-season hit out at Canberra’s Marist College on Friday afternoon.
It was a solid match between two strong teams, with both the Brumbies and Force naming key players for this match. Wallabies fly-half Noah Lolesio headlined a star-studded Brumbies starting side, while Carlo Tizzano and Nic White donned the Force’s colours.
Off-season recruit Divad Palu and hooker Tom Horton scored a try each for the Western Force during the opening term as the visitors took a 12-7 lead. But with Lachlan Lonergan and Corey Toole both crossing themselves, the teams went into the break locked at 12-all.
Unfortunately for the Force, the second half was one-way traffic with the Brumbies running riot during a point-scoring blitz. The Brumbies scored five unanswered tries as they secured the dominant 33-point victory.
Luke Reimer, who debuted for the Wallabies in 2024, scored the first five-pointer of the second term after dotting the ball down under the sticks in the 52nd minute. Billy Pollard, a late Kadin Pritchard double, and Austin Anderson helped round out the big win at home.
For the Force, they turn their focus to their season-opener at home to Ardie Savea’s Moana Pasifika on Saturday, February 15. It’s an intriguing clash for both sides, with the Force and Moana both recruiting well during the off-season.
As for the Brumbies, their season starts with a trip to Suva where they’ll take on the Fijian Drua in the earlier afternoon match on that same Saturday. Backrower Rob Valetini is set to miss the match according to The Roar, with the Wallaby suffering a hamstring injury in training.
“Only six teams make it and I think probably one of our biggest games will come in round one in Fiji,” Valetini told reporters at the Super Rugby Pacific season launch in Sydney.
“I don’t think any Australian teams have won over there. I don’t think too many teams have won over there to be honest and it’s obviously going to be a big hurdle for us as a team.
“(It’s) a challenge but an exciting challenge as well for the boys.
“(We) can’t take any team lightly. Just knowing a round could cost us toward the back end.”
A new-look Waratahs outfit will take on the Highlanders on Valentine’s Day, with coach Dan McKellar leading the way. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Taniela Tupou, Rob Leota, Isaac Kailea and Darby Lancaster are among the new signings.
The Reds are on a bye week in round one, with the Queenslanders currently up north, having beaten Ulster in a thriller to round out their UK Tour. Last week, the Reds got the better of English Premiership contenders Bristol Bears by 61 points at Ashton Gate.
“Without the Rebels, a lot of boys have spread out and gone to other teams,” Valetini added.
“I feel like every Australian team is going to be up for the fight. I don’t think there’ll be any easy games or games you can sort of rest boys.
“It’s only going to get better for Australian rugby as well with everybody fighting for competition and I think you see the names in the other teams and it’s got quality everywhere.
“An exciting year for Australian rugby.”
