Brumbies Welcome Back All-Star Cast as Ex-ACT Stars Return to Canberra
The ACT Brumbies are set to field a formidable all-star lineup as they welcome back a host of Wallabies stars and former ACT favourites for a crucial Super Rugby pre-season trial. The team will face the NSW Waratahs at Marist College in Canberra this Thursday, turning the schoolyard into a field of dreams for rugby enthusiasts.
Star-Studded Squad Returns to the Capital
Headlining the Brumbies' squad is Wallabies great James Slipper, who is closing in on the Super Rugby games record. He is joined by two-time John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini, alongside other key players including Billy Pollard, Nick Frost, Ryan Lonergan, David Feliuai, Corey Toole, Luke Reimer, and Ollie Sapsford. This group alone boasts an impressive 283 Test caps, underscoring the experience and quality returning to the side.
Adding to the excitement, three former ACT stars – Pete Samu, Folau Faingaa, and Jack Debreczeni – will make their return to Canberra wearing the sky blue of the Waratahs. Their presence adds a nostalgic element to the clash, rekindling memories of their time in the capital.
Marist College Hosts Rugby Showcase
The trial match at Marist College, one of Canberra's premier rugby nurseries, promises to be a spectacle. With Waratahs stars like Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, and Jake Gordon also featuring, some of Australian rugby's biggest names will grace the field. Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham expressed enthusiasm about the venue, noting its importance for community connection and the unique opportunity for students to witness top-tier rugby.
"It's always good to play at Marist, one of the nurseries in Canberra. We normally get good support there and it's important for us to connect with the community," Larkham said. "I think the kids at school have the option to watch the game. A good initiative from Marist to get us out there. The field is great, and the atmosphere is really good out there."
Coaching Focus on Refinement and Preparation
This trial serves as a final hit-out before the Super Rugby season kicks off, with Larkham still fine-tuning combinations for round one. The Brumbies are looking to rebound from a 42-12 loss to the Western Force in Perth last Friday, a match that saw Judah Saumaisue join the casualty ward after a head knock.
Larkham highlighted areas for improvement, particularly around kick-off receipt and goal-line drop-out receipt, which he attributed to coaching oversights. "We've been focusing on other areas, and we've put that in the program, making sure we're a bit more detailed around those areas. There's no tricks to any of that, it's just making sure we're all on the same page," he explained.
The coach also noted that the Wallabies players, who returned three weeks ago, are still integrating into the team's new strategies and building their running metrics. "We gave them an extra week's prep last week, and we'll see some of the combinations out there on Thursday. We're not definitive on our starting team for round one yet," Larkham added.
Key Player Roles and Lineup Insights
In terms of specific roles, Declan Meredith will start at flyhalf with Tane Edmed coming off the bench, while scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan returns as captain. Andy Muirhead starts at fullback as Larkham searches for a replacement for Tom Wright, with David Feliuai partnering Kadin Pritchard in the centres. Corey Toole and Ollie Sapsford will man the wings.
Up front, James Slipper joins Billy Pollard and Rhys van Nek in the front row, while Nick Frost partners Lachie Shaw at lock. The sight of Rob Valetini joining Rory Scott and Charlie Cale in the back-row is particularly encouraging for Brumbies fans, given Valetini's injury-riddled start to last season.
This trial not only offers a chance for the Brumbies to test their mettle against a strong Waratahs side but also provides a valuable opportunity for players and coaches alike to refine their preparations ahead of the competitive season. With a blend of seasoned veterans and returning favourites, the match at Marist College is poised to be a memorable event for Canberra's rugby community.
