Our Brumbies return home to GIO Stadium in a bid to cement their position in the competition’s top six. Currently sitting fifth, the Canberrans prepare to welcome the Highlanders as part of a blockbuster Friday night double-header.
It’s fair to say last week’s loss to the Waratahs was not in the plans of the Brumbies coaching staff. A thrilling match, our boys fell agonisingly short in what proved a superb advert for the competition.
The Brumbies weren’t the only team to fall to an Australian rival, with the Highlanders looking to bounce back from their home defeat to the Reds. The Dunedin side were comprehensively outplayed at scrum time by the Queenslanders, something the Brumbies will look to replicate this Friday.
The match comes at a crucial time for both sides, with the ladder beginning to truly reflect the competition’s contenders. There is perhaps extra significance for the home side, who face nearly a month between home games. Our Brumbies currently stand with an unfamiliar win percentage of 50% (3-3). Ladder leaders Chiefs, on the other hand, have recorded 5 wins from the same number of matches.
Coach Larkham and captain Alaalatoa will understand the importance of securing home finals, placing added importance on each remaining fixture. The ACT outfit returned to winning ways at home against the Drua in round 5, following their shock loss Round 2 defeat to the Force.
Central to any success on Friday will be the halves combination of Harrison Goddard and Noah Lolesio. The pair will combine for the first time in 2025 for round 7.
The home side will likely come up against a familiar face in Sefo Kautai, who will be pushing for selection against his former side. Kautai spent four seasons at the Brumbies from 2021-2024, making 40 appearances for the Canberra side.
Despite suffering a head knock last week against the Reds, Kautai is reportedly in the selection frame for Friday. His battles against James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa will surely make for entertaining viewing.
For our women, the equation is simple. They simply must win to have any chance of qualifying in a semi-final position. A heartbreaking home loss to the Reds cruelled their hopes of hosting a home semi-final.
They take on the Waratahs in the first match of Friday’s double header at GIO Stadium. The form of the two sides could scarcely differ more. The visitors come into the clash at the top of the table, needing a win to secure first place and a home semi-final.
Our Brumbies have consistently shown signs of promise throughout the season, with each of their three matches coming down to the wire. They will be looking for a reversal in fortune as they look to keep their season alive against a famous old rival.
All 2025 ACT Brumbies Full Season Members have access to GIO Stadium home games using their 2025 Membership cards. 4 Game Reserved Seat Members can redeem their tickets via Ticketek, while 4 Game General Admission Members can use their card to enter the games of their choice.
Super Rugby Pacific Round 7 vs Highlanders
Date: Friday 28 March
Gates Open: 4:45pm
Curtain Raiser: ACT Brumbies W vs NSW Waratahs W at 5:05pm
Kick-off: 7:35pm
Brumbies Members, don’t forget your 20% discount on tickets, check the latest email of The Round Up for the discount link, or email membership@brumbies.rugby.
