The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have announced their side for a must-win clash against the NSW Waratahs in Round 5 of the Smartech Super Rugby Women's competition at GIO Stadium this Friday (5:05PM AEDT kickoff).
Head coach Andy Friend has made multiple changes to his team ahead of their final regular season fixture as 7s star Bienne Terita is set for her competition debut on the wing, while Wallaroo Sally Fuesaina also rejoins the starting side at loosehead.
Making way for the Round 5 inclusions will be Lydia Kavoa and Ashlea Bishop who both shift to the bench. Meanwhile, Gabrielle Petersen will shift to fullback for the first time this season after a strong outing on the wing against the Reds last weekend.
The final change to the starting XV will see veteran Wallaroo Tania Naden line up at hooker, tagging out former Waratah Katalina Amosa who will don the number 16 jersey this Friday.
Despite confidence in his side and their ability to nab a first-ever win over the Waratahs women in Round 5, coach Friend says the situation is simple.
"We need to win," said Friend bluntly.
"We're very clear on the situation that sits ahead of us. If we do win, it will be the first time in history we've beaten the Waratahs, if we win with a bonus point even better.
"Attack-wise we just need to finish off the opportunities we're creating … from a defensive point of view we just need to stick to our structure. If we can fix that up I think the team its defending really well in terms of getting their bodies in front, scrambling and just being brave."
Reflecting on the inclusion of Terita, Friend says he is hopeful the 7s star will make a key difference against the sky blues come gameday.
"We know she [Terita] is a quality athlete, she's played on the big stage before at the World Cup and with the 7s as well. I'm excited to have her join us, lets hope we can get her the football so she can show us her speed and power," said Friend.
Round 5, 2025 Smartech Super Rugby Women's – Friday 28th March (5:05pm AEDT)
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs NSW Waratahs
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Tickets on sale now via Ticketek
Starting XV
- Sally Fuesaina
- Tania Naden
- Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele
- Ash Fernandez
- Lily Bone
- Siokapesi Palu (c)
- Chioma Enyi
- Tabua Tuinakauvadra
- Ella Ryan
- Faitala Moleka
- Biola Dawa
- Merania Paraone
- Manua Moleka
- Bienne Terita*
- Gabrielle Petersen
Finishers
16. Katalina Amosa
17. Lydia Kavoa
18. Iroha Kishimoto
19. Easter Savelio
20. Edwina Munns-Cook
21. Jay Huriwai
22. Kyah Little
23. Ashlea Bishop
*denotes Super Rugby Women's debut.
