It’s time. Time for the ACT Brumbies Women to stand up and be counted. The equation is simple – beat the Western Force on Sunday and book a ticket to the Swyftx Super Rugby Women's finals.
Head Coach James Erwin has named his side for the season-defining clash at Viking Park, with the Brumbies determined to make a statement when it matters most.
After last week's setback against the Fijian Drua, the Brumbies took the bye week to rest and regroup, with the break arriving at an important time as the squad prepared for its biggest test of the season. Three of the Brumbies big guns have been ruled out of this match, making the extra time together even more valuable.
Fly-half Ella Ryan is the biggest out, ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering an ankle syndesmosis injury. Fellow fly-half Faitala Moleka and lock Ash Fernandez join her on the sideline this week, nursing an eye contusion and a shoulder complaint respectively.
Yes there are injuries, yes it’s not ideal, but the Brumbies organisation has built a culture founded on resilience, and Sunday's challenge is another chance to prove it.
The versatile Lily Bone shifts into the second row to cover Fernandez, opening the door for Rayna Ellis to make her first start of the season alongside captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona and Tabua Tuinakauvadra in a powerhouse back row.
The absence of Ryan and Moleka sees the keys to the Brumbies attack handed to one of Australian rugby’s brightest young talents, with 17-year-old Georgie Hayes set to take control from fly-half — ironic, given she’s only just old enough to have the keys to a car.
The front row remains unchanged, providing the foundation on which the Brumbies will look to build their attacking platform. Martha Fua, Tania Naden and Wako Kitano retain their starting spots after consistently laying a strong platform throughout the campaign. Jess Grant partners Bone in the second row.
Anne de Corres Fernández again starts at scrum-half, offering an experienced head for youngster Hayes to work with.
Outside the halves, Merania Paraone and Bonnie Brewer continue their partnership in the midfield, providing a balance of power and pace. Ivania Wong looks to continue her strong start in Brumbies colours on the wing, alongside recent debutant Paua Lee Going, who earns her first start on the opposite touchline.
Last week's hat-trick hero Ash Bishop shifts from the wing to fullback, offering speed and a safe set of hands to round out the backline.
The finishers provide impact across the park, with Millie Parker, Mona Lisa Tupou and Linda Emelio set to reinforce the front row, while Grace Sullivan and Tessa Good add versatility to the forward pack. Royals scrum-half Maggie Glassock is in line to make her Brumbies debut after an impressive Premier 15s campaign, with Makenna Ravouvou and the experienced Claudia Obst rounding out the matchday 23.
The opportunity is clear and the stakes couldn't be higher. Eighty minutes at home with a place in the semi-finals on the line. More than that, it's an opportunity to show the competition exactly what this Brumbies side is made of and stamp their mark heading into the finals.
The Brumbies faithful are urged to get behind the team and pack out Viking Park — secure your tickets and be there for a season-defining afternoon in Canberra.
