The ACT Brumbies came up against a fast-starting Western Force in Friday’s pre-season hit-out at Scotch College Playing Fields in Swanbourne, going down 42–12. While the scoreboard was tough, the match offered a valuable chance to experiment with new combinations, including debutant Tane Edmed running the show at fly-half alongside Declan Meredith at 15.
The Force hit hard from the outset, with prop Tom Robertson crossing for the opening try inside the first two minutes after a strong forward surge. The home side added four more tries before the break to take a 35–0 lead into the sheds.
Mass changes for both sides occurred after half-time, and the fresh legs helped the Brumbies show improved intent and resilience after the break. Increased physicality across the park, and real desire to compete at scrum and lineout time lead to a greater share of territory as the game wore on. The Force were reduced to 14 men when flanker Kane Koteka was yellow carded for repeated infringements, and while the Force defence initially held firm — denying Darcy Breen over the line — sustained pressure eventually told.
On the hour mark, the Brumbies were rewarded with a penalty try. Our forwards gave the Force a taste of their own medicine, launching a maul of a lineout. Our big men put their shoulders to the grindstone and surged forward, before the WA team illegally brought down the maul and forced the referee’s hand into awarding the try.
The Brumbies continued to push and found our second through hooker Liam Bowron in the 73rd minute. Camped in the 22, the Brumbies again went to the lineout maul, barging through the defence, before Bowron emerged from the pile of bodies with the ball over the line.
Henry Robertson added a late try for the Force, but the Brumbies closed out the contest with intent, taking a clear list of work-ons into their final trial against the Waratahs at Marist College on 5 February.
Western Force 42 Tries: T. Robertson (5’, 36’), Tizzano (18’, 40’), Donaldson (26’), H. Robertson (77’) Conversions: Donaldson 5/5, Burey 1/1 Penalties: Nil
ACT Brumbies 12 Tries: Penalty Try (60’), Bowron (73’) Conversions: Meredith 0/1 Penalties: Nil
Scotch College Playing Fields, Swanbourne
