In a thrilling clash at GIO Stadium, the ACT Brumbies faced off against the Highlanders in a must-win Super Rugby Pacific match on March 28, 2025. Both teams entered the game with a sense of urgency, each looking to secure a vital victory to bolster their standings in the competition.
The Brumbies, coming off a shocking loss to the NSW Waratahs, were determined to bounce back. They found themselves in fifth place, precariously close to falling out of the top six, and knew that a win was essential before heading into a bye week. Coach Stephen Larkham emphasized the importance of focusing solely on the Highlanders, stating, "We’ve had to move on pretty quickly. There’s nothing you can do about a decision that’s happened or a result that’s occurred."
As the match kicked off at 7:35 PM AEDT, the Brumbies showcased their intent early on. They were bolstered by the return of centre David Feliuai, who added depth to their lineup. However, they were without key players Luke Reimer and Ryan Lonergan, both rested to manage player fatigue ahead of the upcoming Lions tour.
The Highlanders, on the other hand, were hoping to turn their fortunes around after struggling this season, sitting in seventh place with only two wins from five games. Coach Jamie Joseph welcomed back prop Daniel Lienert-Brown, who replaced the suspended Ethan de Groot, while captain Timoci Tavatavanawai returned to the midfield.
In the first half, the Brumbies quickly established dominance. Noah Lolesio opened the scoring with a penalty goal in the 22nd minute, putting the Brumbies ahead 3-0. The Highlanders responded with a try from Caleb Tangitau, giving them a brief lead at 5-3. However, the Brumbies retaliated with a strong offensive display.
Brumbies hooker Billy Pollard scored a try just moments later, showcasing the team's resilience. The Brumbies executed a well-coordinated attack, culminating in a try from Allan Alaalatoa, who crashed over the line in the 30th minute. With Lolesio converting the try, the Brumbies extended their lead to 10-5.
As the half progressed, the Brumbies continued to apply pressure, with Pollard adding another try shortly after, making it 15-5. Tom Wright’s defensive efforts were crucial in maintaining the lead, as he thwarted several Highlanders' attempts to close the gap.
Despite the scoreline, the Highlanders remained competitive, with Jona Nareki and Caleb Tangitau constantly threatening the Brumbies' defense. The first half ended with the Brumbies leading 15-5, thanks to their effective strategy and solid teamwork.
As the second half unfolded, the Highlanders sought to claw back into the match. They made tactical substitutions, hoping to capitalize on any weaknesses in the Brumbies' defense. However, the Brumbies’ disciplined approach and strong set-pieces allowed them to maintain control.
Throughout the match, the Brumbies’ forwards dominated the scrums, with James Slipper and his front row putting in a commendable performance. They earned several penalties that provided opportunities for Lolesio to extend their lead further.
With the match clock winding down, the Highlanders pushed hard, desperate to score and shift momentum. But the Brumbies' defense held firm, with Rob Valetini and Tom Hooper making crucial tackles to thwart the Highlanders' advances.
In the end, the Brumbies secured a vital victory, triumphing 15-5 over the Highlanders. This win not only helped them stay in the top six but also restored confidence after their recent defeat to the Waratahs.
Post-match, Pollard reflected on the importance of the win, saying, "(Winning) is very important. There’s no looking around it. But we’re just trying to focus on what we can control." Larkham echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the need for improvement but also expressing pride in his team's performance against a tough Highlanders outfit.
As the Brumbies prepare for their bye week, they will look to build on this momentum heading into their next matches against the Queensland Reds and Moana Pasifika. The Highlanders, meanwhile, will need to regroup and reassess their strategy as they continue to seek their first victory in several weeks.
This match served as a reminder of the competitive nature of Super Rugby Pacific, where every point counts and teams must remain focused on their goals. With the playoffs looming, both teams will be looking to secure their positions as the season progresses.
