The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have confirmed their Under-19s squad for their Round 2 Super Rugby U19s fixture against the Force in Perth on Saturday (2pm kick-off AEST).<\/p>\n
Only two changes have been made to the 23 that secured a 26-17 victory over the Reds in Round 1. Melbourne import Ed Lyons slots into the centres in place of Dylan Bretton, whilst outside back Harvey McLean is set to feature from the bench.<\/p>\n
On the back of that impressive victory in Brisbane, the boys make the trip across the Nullarbor to face the Western Force at Tompkins Park. The clash will once again form half of a tasty double-header, with the Super Rugby AUS match to follow.<\/p>\n
The all-Queanbeyan front row remains unchanged, led by hooker Ewald Kruger, who was named in the competition\u2019s Team of the Week for Round 1. His work at the line-out may have proved the difference last week, something he will look to replicate in Perth.<\/p>\n
Either side of him, Nate Hepi and Lochlan Smith will look to scrum-time for an advantage, an area they had great success in against the Reds.<\/p>\n
Head coach Lachie Creighton was pleased with what he saw in Brisbane, but believes his group has even more to offer.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s always great to start the competition with a win and at Ballymore is even sweeter for our group.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe didn\u2019t nail our decision making and game plan entirely, but our plan B of effort and scramble got us the result. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOur boys get the chance to travel and spend some time away together which is a great insight into professional environments and handling the outside noise.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re focused on our internal improvement and understand the challenge we have ahead of us against the Force on Saturday, who will have this game circled.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack Gordon \u2013 named in the Team of the Week \u2013 and Billy Hansen are set to continue their partnership in an unchanged second row.<\/p>\n
There are no changes to the loose trio, where captain Eli Langi will combine with Bailey Bouquiaux and Cooper Eagle. Eagle\u2019s physicality saw him rewarded with a place in the Team of the Week, alongside four of his teammates.<\/p>\n
Sam Watson and Chace Oates (TOTW last week) will continue as the halves pairing, after providing plenty of spark in Brisbane.<\/p>\n
Winger Paddy McInally – the son of former Brumby Damien McInally – is set for his first start of the competition, having appeared from the bench against the Reds. He is joined on the other flank by the incoming Lyons.<\/p>\n
Fullback Jacob Johnson will feature at the back once more to round out the starting XV.<\/p>\n
The front-row replacements remain the same, with Will Hodge, Jeziah Sega, and Brad Patmore set for a big impact in the second half.<\/p>\n
Thomas Alloggia and Charlie Baker are the remaining bench forwards, whilst Marley Ngatai, Harvey McLean, and Zander Ward round out the 23.<\/p>\n