The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies Women's side have unveiled their team set to face the Fijian Drua in Fiji on Saturday in Round 3 of the Smartech Super Rugby Women's competition.
The side will be flying high coming into Round 3 with their last two outings resulting in a draw to the Western Force and a strong win last weekend in a development fixture against Penina Pasifika.
Having tested out some combinations in the Pasifika match, coach Andy Friend has opted for several changes to his side as he prepares to depart for Fiji on Thursday.
Friend has made six additions to the starting side since the sides Round 1 fixture in Perth, as Martha Fua, Katalina Amosa and Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele make up a new-look front row in Fiji. Additionally, the backline will get a refresh as Gabrielle Petersen, Ashlea Bishop and sevens star Tia Hinds all join the starting XV.
Four players will be in line to potentially earn their Brumbies debuts as Ella Hopper and Ana-Lise Sio look to be injected from the bench during the fixture while both Sagapolu Sanele and Hinds will start.
Friend says last weeks' trial against Penina Pasifika was a great outing for his side as it provided an opportunity for more players within the squad to further showcase their skillsets ahead of selection for Fiji.
"It was really important to give some other players who didn't get a chance to play in Round 1 the chance to play and some put in a really good performance and that's what you want. We want competition within the squad and we've certainly got that at the moment, so a few selection headaches for us," said Friend.
Friend is still weary of the tough matchup ahead despite taking down the Drua in a trial, the Brumbies coach is certain the opposition will be strong once again.
"If we stay on top of them defensively when they have the ball, and make our low tackles they become a side you can live with, if you let them run they'll be dangerous and they love that offload," said Friend.
"When we've got the footy we've got to be brave, we know that they're physical, we know that they'll come off the line and come at you hard, but if we can protect the ball and look after it we can add some continuity to our game."
Round 3, 2025 Smartech Super Rugby Women's – Saturday 15th March (2:35pm AEDT/3:35PM FJT)
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies vs Fijian Drua
Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji
Starting XV
- Martha Fua
- Katalina Amosa
- Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele*
- Ashley Fernandez
- Easter Savelio
- Siokapesi Palu (c)
- Chioma Enyi
- Tabua Tuinakauvadra
- Ella Ryan
- Faitala Moleka
- Biola Dawa
- Merania Paraone
- Gabrielle Petersen
- Ashlea Bishop
- Tia Hinds*
Finishers
16. Ella Hopper*
17. Iroha Kishimoto
18. Hannah Stewart
19. Ana-lise Sio*
20. Edwina Munns-Cook
21. Lily Bone
22. Jay Huriwai
23. Manua Moleka
*denotes possible debut.
