High-quality rugby, established stars and future talent were on display in the ACT Brumbies’ second trial match against the Western Force, with the visitors claiming a 40–15 win at Brumbies HQ.
The Force struck first, with Nami Dickson finishing on the right edge. Fullback Aiysha Wigley then used her footwork to create space and crossed for the visitors’ second try.
A reply was due from the Brumbies, and it came when a kick into the corner caused chaos on the try line. Brumbies Captain, Siokapesi Palu Sekona got her hands on the ball and forced her way over for the home side’s first points.
New signing and Japanese international, Wako Kitano packed her first scrum for the Brumbies and brought immediate impact with her explosive, punchy carries.
An arm wrestle developed as both teams searched for answers. Shifting the ball opened space for the Force, and winger Halley Derera finished in the corner.
Sekona continued her captain’s knock, breaking the line and galloping for 30 metres as the Brumbies attack began to find rhythm in their preseason hit‑out. The home team kept the pressure on, bombarding the Force defensive line. Driving towards the line, Lily Bone capitalised after a sneaky dummy opened a gap, giving her a simple pick‑and‑go try.
At halftime, the Force held a 21–10 lead.
The second half began with a tough defensive stand on the Brumbies’ try line, forcing a knock‑on from the Force in their desperation to score.
A Force lineout five metres out turned into a rolling maul, with Sera Naiquama reaping the rewards and crashing over. The Force went again through hooker Siena Saito, who finished a scrambling effort for another five‑pointer.
Lily Bone showcased her work rate and stamina, producing two try‑saving tackles in an 80-minute performance, but it wasn’t enough as Naiquama secured her second of the match soon after, using her height to reach over the line.
The Brumbies found renewed fight in front of their home fans, launching a counterattack after pilfering the ball at the ruck. A break from Tessa Good set up strong field position, and a maul close to the line tapped into the Brumbies’ DNA. Off the back of the rolling maul, hooker Millie Parker powered over to the delight of the crowd.
The match settled at 40–15, with the Western Force taking the win.
The ACT Brumbies will now turn their attention to their final trial match against the Waratahs before the start of the Super Rugby Women’s season in June.
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