The ACT Brumbies have named a powerful side for Saturday afternoon’s final regular season clash against Moana Pasifika, with the return of Charlie Cale at number eight set to send a surge through GIO Stadium this Saturday, kick-off at 2.35PM.
Cale returns to the starting side after a blistering beginning to the year, scoring nine tries in just seven matches before a shoulder injury against the Highlanders interrupted his campaign. Fit and firing with finals approaching, the 24-year-old returns to the side at the turn of the tide.
Like a rising swell, Cale’s return adds power and momentum to a Brumbies side building toward the finals.
The Brumbies head into the clash determined to wrap up the regular season with a statement performance, with a bonus point victory potentially enough to secure third place, and a home qualifier, and build serious momentum into the pointy end of the season. Despite the finals implications, the Brumbies’ focus remains firmly fixed on Moana Pasifika this weekend.
Saturday’s clash will also be a powerful celebration of culture and connection at GIO Stadium, with the Brumbies proudly wearing the club’s Indigenous jersey in recognition of National Reconciliation Week.
The occasion will also honour Moana Pasifika and the deep cultural identity they have brought to Super Rugby Pacific, in what could potentially be the side’s final match in the competition.
Before kick-off, fans will witness a ceremonial smoking ceremony followed by a traditional Moana Pasifika war dance, setting the tone for an afternoon built on respect, pride and Pacific spirit.
Club captain Allan Alaalatoa resumes leadership duties for the regular season finale, taking back the captaincy armband for Saturday’s clash.
Alaalatoa heads up a forward pack featuring James Slipper and Billy Pollard at the coalface of the scrum. Locks Lachlan Shaw and Cadeyrn Neville provide the engine room behind them, while Cale, Rob Valetini and Rory Scott round out a powerful loose forward trio.
Ryan Lonergan looks to continue his top-class season, linking with Declan Meredith in the halves as the Brumbies aim to build pressure and control the contest from the outset.
Another key selection sees Andy Muirhead, a proud Barunggam man, promoted to the starting wing position following an outstanding 2026 campaign. The 32-year-old produced another composed display in last Friday’s victory over the NSW Waratahs after being elevated from the bench into the starting side following Ollie Sapsford’s late withdrawal during the warm-up.
Speed demon Corey Toole lines up on the opposite wing to Muirhead, on the hunt to continue his strong try-scoring record against Moana Pasifika after crossing in each of his last three matches against the side, including a double in the corresponding fixture last year.
David Feliuai and Kadin Pritchard form an enthralling midfield combination, mixing bone-rattling defence with elusive running lines. At fullback is Tom Wright, whose form is building to the point where it feels like a matter of when, not if, he tears a game apart.
The Brumbies bench also carries plenty of impact for the final regular season showdown. Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Nick Frost and Luke Reimer are the Brumbies bomb squad (the Brum squad if you will) ready to lift the intensity late in the contest.
In the backs, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed and Hudson Creighton provide spark and composure in the closing stages, the injection the Brumbies may need to bring the game home.
With finals looming and the tide beginning to rise, the Brumbies are ready to unleash one final regular season surge at home. Be there at GIO Stadium as the Brumbies charge into Moana Pasifika and build a wave of momentum heading into the finals.
