Dynamic flanker Jarvis Orr has been selected in the starting XV to travel west to face the Western Force in Round 2 of the Super Rugby Next Gen competition. The clash at HBF Park will serve as the curtain-raiser for the Super Rugby Pacific fixture, kicking off at 5:05PM AEDT ahead of the main game at 7.35PM AEDT.
Orr was a standout performer in the side’s tough 31-47 loss to the Reds in Round 1. After entering the game off the pine, he made an immediate impact, powering through the defensive line to find the white line in the 66th minute.
Head of Elite Pathways and Player Development, Dan Hawke, praised the young forward's impact, and with back-row Bailey Bouquiaux nursing an injury from the weekend, is eager to unleash Orr as part of the starting team.
“Jarvis made an immediate impact when he entered the game last Sunday. His work rate was undeniable, he was involved in the contest on both defensive and attacking ends,” Hawke said.
“He’s pulled up well, and quite frankly, he’s earned the right to see what damage he can do starting for us.”
Addressing the team's mindset following the opening round defeat, Hawke was clear on the objective for the Perth trip.
“Last week was a missed opportunity and a stinging result, particularly at home, we aren't hiding from that. The beauty of this competition is the chance to respond immediately. We’ve shuffled the deck to put our best players in the right positions to get the result,” Hawke said.
The coaching staff have kept faith in the Queanbeyan Whites connection up front, with the trio of Nate Hepi, Ewald Kruger, and Lochlan Smith retaining their spots to anchor the scrum.
In the engine room, Uni-Norths Owls product Billy Hansen packs down alongside Whites’ Jack Gordon.
The backrow sees the promoted Orr link up with Brumbies Super Rugby squad member Eli Langi and captain Cooper Eagle to form a mobile and aggressive backrow.
Sam Watson and Chace Oates return to pilot the attack in the halves with Dylan Bretton at inside centre and Malakye Enasio at outside centre.
Out wide, Jacob Johnson patrols the left wing again, while Blake Miller earns a call-up on the right. Harvey McLean retains the number 15 jersey to round out the starting side.
ACT Brumbies v Western Force Round 2 - Super Rugby Next Gen
Date: Saturday 14 February | Time: 5:05PM AEDT kick-off
Location: HBF Park, Perth | Broadcast: Live on Stan Sport
- Nate Hepi
- Ewald Kruger
- Lochlan Smith
- Billy Hansen
- Jack Gordon
- Eli Langi
- Jarvis Orr
- Cooper Eagle (c)
- Sam Watson
- Chace Oates
- Jacob Johnson
- Dylan Bretton
- Malakye Enasio
- Blake Miller
- Harvey McLean
16. Lipina Ata 17. Finn Baxter 18. Keegan Daly 19. Tavita Loughland 20. Blake Bretton 21. Chayse Geros 22. Tomas Jensen 23. Angus Tagicakibau
Catch the game live on Stan Sport at 5.05pm AEDT.
