The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have made three changes to their side for the crucial match against the NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby AUS at Viking Park on Saturday (5pm kick-off).
With two tight losses away from home to the Reds and Western Force, the Brumbies will play their first game in Super Rugby AUS in front of their own fans and as part of a triple header, with both the under-16s (1pm) and the under-19s (3pm) games preceding the main event. The Brumbies still have a mathematical chance of progressing to the final next weekend in Perth.
Jarrah McLeod replaces David Feliuai in the starting lineup, while number eight Jack Harley and full back Kye Oates also come into the side to make their competition debuts.
Head coach Stephen Larkham praised Super Rugby AUS and the opportunity it presents to younger players, while also looking forward to seeing Harley and Oates in action.
“That's the beauty of this competition, we've had two games now and we get to see some of these guys get a chance,” Larkham said.
“Jack's been in the program for a couple of years now, has been picked in the Junior Wallabies team and represented himself and the Brumbies exceptionally well. He's been knocking on the door.
“Kye has also has been struggling with an injury and missed a fair bit of the John I Dent Cup, so we’re looking forward to seeing how he goes as well.
“I think the competition in terms of giving exposure to these young guys has been great. It's going to shape the way we train through pre-season and some of our decisions going into next season around players in certain positions.”
The tight five is unchanged, with Tevita Alatini retaining his place after registering a try in last weekend’s 46-35 loss to the Force.
In the back row, Harley at eight means Rory Scott shifts to openside flanker, where he captains the Brumbies for the first time. Former Australia U20s captain Toby Macpherson is again named at blindside flanker, having scored a try last weekend and impressing in the competition so far.
Klayton Thorn and Declan Meredith start again the halves, while in the rest of the backs there is a shuffle. Oates at full back pushes Shane Wilcox out to the wing, with Kadin Pritchard moving to outside centre alongside McLeod in the centres. Ollie Sapsford completes the lineup on the left wing.
The bench is again a blend of youth and experience, with Super Rugby Pacific regulars such Rhys van Nek, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Luke Reimer and David Feliuai selected alongside Lipina Ata, Tauati Chan-Tung, Dan Nelson and Joe Dillon.
There are eight uncapped Super Rugby Pacific players in the starting XV, with 11 in the 23.
And Larkham anticipates a tight game against rivals Waratahs, with both teams needing to win to secure a place in the final.
“It's our usual foe in front of us this weekend. They're in the same boat as us - they need to win this weekend to guarantee a spot in the final. So there's a challenge ahead of us.” Larkham added.
Tickets are available for our Super Rugby AUS, U19s and U16s triple header against rivals NSW Waratahs at Viking Park on Saturday here
2025 Super Rugby AUS Round 3 – Saturday 27 September (kick-off 5pm)
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs NSW Waratahs
Viking Park, 4 Amsinck Street, Wanniassa, ACT 2903
Starting XV:
- Lington Ieli
- Liam Bowron
- Tevita Alatini
- Lachlan Shaw
- Harvey Cordukes
- Toby MacPherson
- Rory Scott (c)
- Jack Harley**
- Klayton Thorn
- Declan Meredith
- Ollie Sapsford
- Jarrah McLeod
- Kadin Pritchard
- Shane Wilcox
- Kye Oates**
Impact:
16. Lipina Ata
17. Tauati Chan-Tung
18. Rhys van Nek
19. Tuaina Taii Tualima
20. Luke Reimer
21. Dan Nelson
22. Joe Dillon
23. David Feliuai
** denotes first competition appearance
