The ACT Brumbies are bringing serious firepower to Osaka, naming their side to take on the Kintetsu Liners in an international exhibition match at one of Japan's most iconic rugby venues, Hanazono Rugby Stadium, on Saturday, 14 November, kick-off at 6.30PM AEDT.
Osaka is rugby country, and the Liners certainly won’t be easy-beats. The Japan Rugby League Two outfit boasts former All Blacks Akira Ioane and Peter Umaga-Jensen among their roster, making for a mouth-watering test for the Brumbies' touring squad.
Emerging leader Toby Macpherson will take the captaincy reigns for the clash after successfully leading the side through the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby AUS campaign.
One of the biggest talking points is the first appearance in Brumbies colours for Leafi Talataina. The powerful No.8 joined from the NSW Waratahs in the off-season but was sidelined throughout Super Rugby AUS. Now fit and ready to go, Talataina has his chance to go full Super Saiyan in his Brumbies debut and show exactly what he's capable of.
Giant lock Harvey Cordukes is another welcome addition, returning to the Brumbies after a successful stint with Auckland in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship. The big man has sharpened his game across the Tasman and will be keen to carry that form into Saturday's contest.
At fullback, Corey Toole gets the No.15 jersey, a selection that offers a glimpse of the speed and attacking ambition Head Coach Stephen Larkham wants to bring to the Brumbies in 2027. Few players can cover the ground quite like Toole, whose ability to dart through defensive lines and turn a small gap into a big opportunity will be a major weapon in Osaka.
There is also a significant return for Blake Schoupp, who gets his first opportunity back in Brumbies colours after recovering from the Lisfranc injury suffered in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final against the Hurricanes.
Schoupp joins Lachlan Lonergan and Rhys Van Nek in the front row, with Nick Frost partnering Cordukes in the second row. Macpherson and Eli Langi round out the loose forwards alongside Talataina.
Klayton Thorn and Tane Edmed combine in the halves, with Dylan Bretton and Kadin Pritchard in the midfield pairing. Triston Reilly and Ollie Sapsford line up on the wings, with Toole completing the back three.
There's plenty of talent waiting in reserve, too. Liam Bowron, Lington Ieli, and Darcy Breen provide front-row cover, with Oscar Cleary and TJ Talaileva offering further forward options. Dan Nelson will look to spark off the bench, while Queanbeyan White Jack Gordon, Tuggeranong Viking Oscar Shaw, and Gungahlin Eagle Denzel Veikune have all been selected out of club rugby for the clash.
The two teams have already had an early look at each other, going head-to-head in a joint training session on Tuesday. Coaches from both camps were keen observers, including Liners assistant coach and former Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper, who was on hand to see the Brumbies up close ahead of Saturday's clash.
For the Brumbies, this is about more than a hit-out before the Christmas break. It's an opportunity to test combinations, expose emerging players to a different rugby environment and build the foundations for the 2027 Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
The club acknowledges and thanks newstar International, Osaka Prefecture and the Kintetsu Liners organisation for their support in hosting the tour and creating this opportunity for the Brumbies.
Match details
- Opponent: Kintetsu Liners
- Venue: Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan
- Date: Saturday 14 November
- Kick-off: 6.30pm AEDT (4.30pm local time)
