Tom Ruediger will star for the ACT VX on Thursday night at Greenway Oval
Coaches for the University of Canberra Brumbies and the ACT XV have named their squads to play this Thursday night at Greenway Enclosed Oval, 7pm.
University of Canberra Brumbies Coach Jake White has selected a similar team to the one that competed in the last two trial matches with Ruaidhri Murphy one of the few changes, earning his first start for the Super Rugby team.
White has also included hooker Sam Roberson from Sydney University having drafted the robust hooker into the squad earlier in the week. Roberson will start from the bench having impressed in Sydney’s Shute Shield and caught the eye of University of Canberra Brumbies coaching staff.
White has also moved Jesse Mogg to the wing, with Robbie Coleman being cleared to play and named at fullback. For Mogg, the last 12 months has been a period of rapid elevation having been one of the Academy’s key performers in 2011.
Mogg was solid against the Force and the Reds, giving White confidence the former Brisbane Broncos junior is ready to take on the challenge of Super Rugby.
“Jesse is good in open space and has an enormous boot, we’ve identified him as one of the team’s best kickers,” White said.
“So far this year we’ve had a chance to see him at fullback twice but tonight we are going to look at him a bit wider out, on the wing. With Joe Tomane on the other wing we will have plenty of speed out wide.
“The great thing about Jesse is that he listens and that he’s willing to work hard on his rugby. He’s been a welcome addition to the squad since earning a contract late last year.”
ACT XV Head Coach Nick Leah was equally excited about the prospect of taking on the Super Rugby team, naming a strong squad made entirely of players from the John I Dent Cup.
His team has been bolstered by the inclusion of University of Canberra Brumbies regular Jono Owen, who will run on at tight-head prop.
“For our guys the challenge doesn’t get much bigger than this, to be taking on a Super Rugby team at home in front of your friends and family,” Leah said.
“The boys are all aware that this is a huge opportunity for them personally but in saying that they are all quite calm and prepared for the match.
“We’ve been training together for some time now and the games we played late last year against the British Army and Royal Navy showed that we have a very strong side.
“Training this week has also been good so everything is working nicely towards the game on Thursday night.”
University of Canberra Brumbies v ACT XV
Greenway Enclosed Oval, Soward Way, Tuggeranong Town Centre
Kick-off: 7pm
Entry: free
University of Canberra Brumbies
1. Ruaidhri Murphy
2. Anthony Hegarty
3. Dan Palmer
4. Leon Power
5. Ben Hand
6. Peter Kimlin
7. Ita Vaea
8. Ben Mowen
9. Nic White
10. Matt Toomua
11. Jesse Mogg
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Andrew Smith
14. Joe Tomane
15. Robbie Coleman
Replacements
16. Jerry Yanuyanutawa
17. Sam Roberson
18. Scott Sio
19. Scott Fardy
20. Michael Hooper
21. Ian Prior
22. Zack Holmes
23. Cam Crawford
24. KImami Sitauti
25. Tevita Kuridrani
ACT XV
1. Jono Owen
2. Patrick Leafa
3. Les Makin
4. Gareth Clouston
5. Tom Murday
6. Sokai Tai
7. Rutikha Ilolohia
8. James Turner
9. Beau Mokoputu
10. Jacob Kara
11. Tom Ruediger
12. Matt Hawke
13. Mitch Connolly
14. Darragh Fanning
15. Ben Johnston
Replacements
16. Sione Tuala
17. JP Pradaud
18. Sam Shirley
19. Joe Kolo
20. Tyson Tamihere
21. Ryne Bowden
22. Matt James
23. Jack Sutton
