The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have confirmed their squad for their Super Rugby AUS fixture against the Force at Tompkins Park on Saturday (4pm kick-off AEST).
Head coach Stephen Larkham has made two changes to the squad that travelled to Brisbane for Round 1. Outside back Shane Wilcox makes his return from injury, whilst under-20s Wallabies hooker Lipina Ata is set for his senior debut off the bench.
There has also been some shuffling of the starting XV. Young prop Tevita Alatini is set for his first start after an impressive year and will be pushing for Super Rugby Pacific selection in the coming seasons. Rory Scott will also start Saturday’s encounter, after providing much-needed spark off the bench against the Reds.
Lachlan Shaw and Harvey Cordukes will continue their partnership in the second row, with Tuaina Taii Tualima providing cover on the bench.
The back row offers a mix of experience and youth. Rising star Toby MacPherson will once again start alongside captain Luke Reimer, who scored a try in a strong performance at Ballymore. MacPherson will be hoping for a similar performance to last week, where his 80-minute effort saw him earn a spot in the competition’s Team of the Week. They are joined by the tireless Scott to form a formidable loose trio.
The halves remain unchanged from last week, with Declan Meredith and Klayton Thorn set to provide a spark in the Brumbies’ attack. The pair linked up for a beautiful try, whilst Meredith’s kicking game laid a platform for his side.
Ollie Sapsford – who also earned a spot in the Team of the Week – will look to add to his three line breaks against the Reds. Kadin Pritchard retains his spot on the back of an exciting performance and will start on the other wing.
David Feliuai and Hudson Creighton will bring Super Rugby Pacific experience to the backline, forming a new-look centre pairing.
Wilcox slots into fullback after a season jam-packed with representative footy. The 20-year-old is no stranger to domestic success, having been a part of the title-winning under-19s sides in 2023 and 2024.
Head coach Stephen Larkham spoke about the balance of development and competitiveness that Super Rugby AUS offers.
“We wanted to keep continuity this week. Whilst it is a competition where we want to give players an opportunity to put their hands up, we always want to give ourselves the best chance to succeed.
“The boys have bounced back really well this week. There are good learnings for the guys who were out there at the end on Sunday, which is what you want to take out of this competition.”
Larkham also touched on the pathway from club rugby into the professional scene and the opportunity these games present.
“We like the combination on the bench. Dan Nelson, Joe Dillon, and Jarrah McLeod all play together for Royals in the John I Dent Cup, so we’re excited for the impact they can bring off the bench.”
That trio is joined on the bench by Lipina Ata, Tauati Chan-Tung, Rhys Van Nek, Tuaina Taii Tualima, and Judah Saumaisue.
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 AUS Round 2 – Saturday 20 September (kick-off 4pm AEST)
Force vs Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies
Tompkins Park, Perth
Starting XV
1. Lington Ieli
2. Liam Bowron
3. Tevita Alatini
4. Lachlan Shaw
5. Harvey Cordukes
6. Toby MacPherson
7. Luke Reimer ©
8. Rory Scott
9. Klayton Thorn
10. Declan Meredith
11. Ollie Sapsford
12. David Feliuai
13. Hudson Creighton
14. Kadin Pritchard
15. Shane Wilcox
Finishers
16. Lipina Ata
17. Tauati Chan-Tung
18. Rhys van Nek
19. Tuaina Taii Tualima
20. Judah Saumaisue
21. Dan Nelson
22. Joe Dillon
23. Jarrah McLeod
Broadcast Details
Kick-off 4pm - Super Rugby AUS matches are broadcast live on Stan and on Youtube via Rugby.com.au
