The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have confirmed their Under-19s squad for their Round 2 Super Rugby U19s fixture against the Force in Perth on Saturday (2pm kick-off AEST).
Only two changes have been made to the 23 that secured a 26-17 victory over the Reds in Round 1. Melbourne import Ed Lyons slots into the centres in place of Dylan Bretton, whilst outside back Harvey McLean is set to feature from the bench.
On the back of that impressive victory in Brisbane, the boys make the trip across the Nullarbor to face the Western Force at Tompkins Park. The clash will once again form half of a tasty double-header, with the Super Rugby AUS match to follow.
The all-Queanbeyan front row remains unchanged, led by hooker Ewald Kruger, who was named in the competition’s Team of the Week for Round 1. His work at the line-out may have proved the difference last week, something he will look to replicate in Perth.
Either side of him, Nate Hepi and Lochlan Smith will look to scrum-time for an advantage, an area they had great success in against the Reds.
Head coach Lachie Creighton was pleased with what he saw in Brisbane, but believes his group has even more to offer.
“It’s always great to start the competition with a win and at Ballymore is even sweeter for our group.
“We didn’t nail our decision making and game plan entirely, but our plan B of effort and scramble got us the result.
“Our boys get the chance to travel and spend some time away together which is a great insight into professional environments and handling the outside noise.
“We’re focused on our internal improvement and understand the challenge we have ahead of us against the Force on Saturday, who will have this game circled.”
Jack Gordon – named in the Team of the Week – and Billy Hansen are set to continue their partnership in an unchanged second row.
There are no changes to the loose trio, where captain Eli Langi will combine with Bailey Bouquiaux and Cooper Eagle. Eagle’s physicality saw him rewarded with a place in the Team of the Week, alongside four of his teammates.
Sam Watson and Chace Oates (TOTW last week) will continue as the halves pairing, after providing plenty of spark in Brisbane.
Winger Paddy McInally - the son of former Brumby Damien McInally - is set for his first start of the competition, having appeared from the bench against the Reds. He is joined on the other flank by the incoming Lyons.
Fullback Jacob Johnson will feature at the back once more to round out the starting XV.
The front-row replacements remain the same, with Will Hodge, Jeziah Sega, and Brad Patmore set for a big impact in the second half.
Thomas Alloggia and Charlie Baker are the remaining bench forwards, whilst Marley Ngatai, Harvey McLean, and Zander Ward round out the 23.
Tickets are available for our Super Rugby AUS, U19s and U16s triple header against rivals NSW Waratahs at Viking Park on Saturday 27 September here
2025 Super Rugby Under-19s Round 2 – Saturday 20 September (kick-off 2pm AEST)
Force vs Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies
Tompkins Park, Perth
Starting XV 1 Nate Hepi 2 Ewald Kruger 3 Lochlan Smith 4 Jack Gordon 5 Billy Hansen 6 Cooper Eagle 7 Bailey Bouquiaux 8 Eli Langi (C) 9 Sam Watson 10 Chace Oates 11 Paddy McInally 12 Dylan Bretton 13 Riley Whitfeld 14 Ed Lyons 15 Jacob Johnson Finishers 16 Will Hodge 17 Jeziah Sega 18 Brad Patmore 19 Thomas Alloggia 20 Charlie Baker 21 Marley Ngatai 22 Harvey McLean 23 Zander Ward
