The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have named their lineup to take on the Queensland Reds in Round 4 of the Smartech Super Rugby Women's competition at Viking Park on Saturday (kickoff 1:05PM AEDT).
Head coach Andy Friend has selected a largely similar side to last weekend's clash against the Fijian Drua, though both Lily Bone and Manua Moleka have been named in the starting lineup for the first time in their careers.
Piper Rankmore has also been selected in jersey number 21 as she looks to make her competition debut from the bench, during her side's first home fixture of 2025.
Brumbies veteran Ashlea Bishop has been named to reclaim the fullback role this weekend after impressing on her return from injury on the wing against the Drua.
Despite his side's Round 3 loss to the Drua, Friend is adamant the Brumbies are still contenders as they head to Viking Park for the first time in 2025.
"We're looking forward to the opportunity to play against the Reds, if we match them with their physicality and get our set piece right, we will put ourselves in a really good position to come away with a win," said Friend.
"For the first time this year, being at home is going to be a benefit for us. We are the only team that's had two away games and they've both been long hauls with Perth and Fiji, so it is good to have our first game at home this weekend. It's really important for our players to be able to play in front of their family and friends, which always tends to give a bit of a lift.
"The Reds are a very good side, they've recruited well and on top of that they've got a mountain of Wallaroos girls. They'll be disappointed with their performance against the Waratahs last weekend so this is kind of a must week game for both of us.
"We are going to have to match their physicality, our set piece will need to dominate which is a key area to any game. We did that well last week, but in the dying minutes that was probably the part that hurt us."
Round 4, 2025 Smartech Super Rugby Women's – Saturday 22nd March (1:05pm AEDT)
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Queensland Reds
Viking Park, Canberra
Tickets on sale now via Eventbrite
Starting XV
- Sally Fuesaina
- Katalina Amosa
- Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele
- Ashley Fernandez
- Lily Bone
- Siokapesi Palu (c)
- Chioma Enyi
- Tabua Tuinakauvadra
- Ella Ryan
- Faitala Moleka
- Biola Dawa
- Merania Paraone
- Manua Moleka
- Gabrielle Petersen
- Ashlea Bishop
Finishers
16. Tania Naden
17. Martha Fua
18. Iroha Kishimoto
19. Easter Savelio
20. Edwina Munns-Cook
21. Piper Rankmore*
22. Jay Huriwai
23. Kyah Little
* denotes potential debutant.
