Spanish, Fijian and Japanese internationals named in Brumbies side

Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona and Spanish scrum-half Anne Fernandez de Corres are among the internationals named for the ACT Brumbies this week, set to feature against the Western Force in the team’s second pre-season trial.

Following a hit out against the Queensland Reds last weekend in Canberra, the Brumbies are welcoming another Super Rugby Women’s outfit to the capital. It’s another important marker for the teams, a couple weeks out from round one across June 6 and 7.

Palu Sekona headlines a strong Brumbies side, which includes five internationals in the tight five alone. Tania Naden is set to pack down at hooker, while Ash Fernandez and Lily Bone link up in the second row.

Fijian international Iris Verebalavu and 25-Test Japanese international Wako Kitano have also been selected, looking to make their mark in a stacked forward pack. Openside flanker Tessa Good and No. 8 Rayna Ellis join captain Palu Sekona in the backrower trio.

Wallaroos playmaker Faitala Moleka combines with Fernandez de Corres in the halves, while Merania Parone and Makenna Ravouvou link up in the centres. Paua Lee Going and Ash Bishop are the two wingers, while Chanel Williams lines up at fullback.

Recently capped Wallaroo Ella Ryan has been named on an extended bench, with 27 players set to play in this pre-season trial. Former Queensland Reds flyer Ivania Wong will also look to make an impact off the pine.

“We got a lot of things right in pre-season game one. What was really pleasing was a number of those new Brumbies players had some really good efforts across the 80 minutes,” Brumbies coach James Erwin said.

“We look really good when we get things right, so there are a lot of positives building into pre-season game two. Coming out of game one, we’re confident in where we’re heading.

“They’re phenomenal footballers, but more importantly, their character and engagement with the broader squad has been outstanding.

“They’ve come back in wanting to earn their place within the group, and that’s created really positive energy. It’s also given a lot of confidence to our debutants and new players.”

This match is scheduled to kick off at 10:00 am AEST on Saturday morning at Brumbies HQ, Canberra.

ACT Brumbies to take on Western Force

1. Iris Verebalavu

2. Tania Naden

3. Wako Kitano

4. Ash Fernandez

5. Lily Bone

6. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (C)

7. Tessa Good

8. Rayna Ellis

9. Anne Fernandez De Corres

10. Faitala Moleka

11. Paula Lee Going

12. Merania Paraone

13. Makenna Ravouvou

14. Ash Bishop

15. Chanel Williams

Replacements

16. Millie Parker

17. Jane Morrison

18. Linda Emelio

19. Grace Sullivan

20. Jess Grant

21. Chioma Enyi

22. Ella Ryan

23. Savannah Roberts-Hickling

24. Bonnie Brewer

25. Tenniah Papa

26. Ivania Wong

27. Georgie Hayes