Canberra’s ACT Brumbies Next Gen side are preparing for a final-round Super Rugby Next Gen showdown against the NSW Waratahs this Sunday at Eric Tweedale Stadium, with kick-off slated for 2:05 PM AEDT. The match offers a chance for the Brumbies to finish their season strongly after a 32–19 defeat against the Western Force last week at HBF Park, a result Head Coach Robbie Abel acknowledged wasn’t what the team was aiming for.
The Brumbies will be looking to rebound from that loss and end their campaign on a positive note, with a reshuffled lineup designed to provide opportunities for emerging talent. The team faces a unique challenge this week, with players also involved with the Runners program requiring adjustments to the squad. This has allowed Abel to integrate fresh faces and assess their capabilities in a competitive environment.
New Faces in the Mix
Several changes have been made to the Brumbies Next Gen starting XV, including the inclusion of Oscar Cleary, a 2025 Australian Schoolboy representative, at blindside flanker. Abel highlighted the significance of this opportunity for the young player, stating, “It hits close to home seeing a young fella from Orange receive his crack. I realize the road he’s travelled to get here. I see a bit of my own journey in him, and I’m backing him to go out there and have a blinder.” Warringah Rats’ Riley Whitfeld will feature at inside centre, whereas Ed Lyons will start on the right wing and Angus Tagicakibau moves to fullback.
Abel praised Tagicakibau’s performance off the bench in the previous match, noting, “Gus put his case forward with his cameo last week. You can’t ignore a bloke who comes off the bench and bags a double like that. He was asking serious questions of their defence every time he touched the pill, so he’s earned the right to run on first.” The core of the Brumbies’ forward pack remains largely unchanged, with Nate Hepi, Ewald Kruger, Lochlan Smith, Billy Hansen, and Jack Gordon all retaining their starting positions.
Team Lineup and Leadership
Cooper Eagle will captain the side for the final outing, leading a back row that also includes Jarvis Orr and Cleary. Sam Watson and Chace Oates will continue their partnership at halfback and fly-half, respectively, while Dylan Bretton will partner with Whitfeld in the midfield. Jacob Johnson and Lyons will flank Tagicakibau in the back three. The team’s starting XV is as follows:
Nate Hepi, Ewald Kruger, Lochlan Smith, Billy Hansen, Jack Gordon, Oscar Cleary, Jarvis Orr, Cooper Eagle (c), Sam Watson, Chace Oates, Jacob Johnson, Dylan Bretton, Riley Whitfeld, Ed Lyons, Angus Tagicakibau.
The bench consists of Fletcher Burrows, Cajun Arnfield, Keegan Daly, Tavita Loughland, Bailey Bouquiaux, Chayse Geros, Will Trostel, and Paddy McInally.
Looking Ahead
The Brumbies will be aiming to execute their game plan effectively and finish the Super Rugby Next Gen season with a performance they can be proud of. Abel emphasized the importance of the opportunity for the new players to showcase their abilities, stating, “It’s a cracker of an opportunity for the fresh faces to front up and demonstrate us what they’re made of.” The match against the Waratahs will be broadcast live on Stan Sport and rugby.com.au, allowing fans to follow the action.
The outcome of this final match will not impact standings, but it provides a valuable platform for player development and a chance to build momentum heading into future seasons. Fans can expect a spirited contest as both teams look to end their Next Gen campaigns on a high note.
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