Viking Park played host to a brutal, high-octane showcase of rugby on Sunday as the ACT Brumbies Women took on Round 3 of the Next Gen 7s.
The home side navigated a gruelling four-game schedule against star-studded NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds outfits, bringing relentless intensity to the pitch.
Boosted by the attacking brilliance of Australian Sevens stars Mackenzie Davis and Ruby Nicholas, and featuring a highly anticipated debut from Spanish international Anne Fernandez de Corres, the Brumbies traded heavy blows with the competition’s best.
Though the scoreboard didn't always swing their way, the Canberra outfit showed immense grit, blooded exciting new local talent, and gathered vital momentum ahead of the upcoming finals in Sydney.
The Brumbies set a fierce tone from the opening whistle in their first clash against the Reds.
Refusing to be intimidated by Queensland’s firepower, the home side built a commanding first-half lead. Davis drew first blood in the second minute, followed by back-to-back strikes from Paua Lee Going and Nicholas. Despite a late surge from Queensland's Rhani Hagan and speedster Leilani Hills, the Brumbies’ defence held firm to secure a gritty 17-12 victory.
Game two saw the Brumbies tested by the NSW Waratahs.
The sky-blue visitors brought serious heat, with AU7s stars Kiiahla Duff and Bridget Clark dictating the tempo and outclassing the home side in crucial moments. While the Waratahs ultimately shut the game down for a 29-12 win, Davis provided the ultimate highlight reel moment—fielding the kickoff and tearing through the defence for a spectacular 60-metre try, eventually bagging a double to keep the Brumbies fighting.
The Reds came out hunting for retribution in the third matchup of the day, delivering a defensive masterclass to stifle the Brumbies' attack.
Queensland's Madison Pomerenke was unstoppable, running in a hat-trick, while Hills, Caitlin Urwin, and Carys Dallinger added to the tally. The Brumbies battled fatigue and a relentless opposition, with Academy youngster Sonrae Lui, stepping up in her debut round, and the ever-reliable Nicholas crossing the line. Ultimately, the women from the north proved too strong, walking away with a 31-14 win.
In their final hit-out, an exhausted but determined Brumbies squad emptied the tank against a dominant Waratahs side.
The visitors controlled possession and territory, crossing seven times through the likes of Clark, Cobi Ryan-Last, Darci Turinui, Edie Burke, and Anika McCarthy to seal a 43-12 result. Despite the heavy elite Tahs defence, the Brumbies refused to wave the white flag. Davis once again burned the cover defence on a breathtaking 50-metre run to the tryline, with Nicholas also adding her name to the scoresheet to cap off her stellar day.
Beyond the raw results, Round 3 served as a crucial development ground for the Brumbies' wider squad.
Spanish international Fernandez de Corres proved to be a genuine dual threat, bringing elite XVs and Sevens experience to the park with lethal attacking prowess and a bruising defensive presence. The team also benefited from the fresh energy of Temora bolter Sophie Bowley and Academy standout Lui, who stepped up in the absence of Merania Paraone.
The team now turn their sights toward Sydney, ready to unleash their potential in the Round 4 finals.
