The ACT Brumbies have clear priorities heading into 2025 as they hunt for an elusive title.
Stephen Larkham’s side fell at the semi-final hurdle again after going down to eventual champions Blues in Auckland.
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They were narrowly close to a home semi-final in 2024 and will push for one this season as part of the new-look finals format.
Rugby.com.au looks at five key talking points for the Canberra-based club in 2025
1. Breaking through
The ACT Brumbies have been frustratingly close to the Super Rugby Pacific Final in back-to-back years, falling in the semi-finals.
Stephen Larkham’s side has no doubt been the best Australian side in the past few years, but they are open about their ambitions to take out a title.
They return in 2025 with a similar roster to last year and a plethora of Wallabies, whether new such as Charlie Cale and Luke Reimer or re-established like Tom Wright and Noah Lolesio
The major question for them is how they can take that next step.
2. How Feliuai fits in
In a quiet off-season for the Brumbies, their big signing came in the form of centre David Feliuai.
The ‘Romanian Rumbler’ has been involved in several Wallabies camps under Joe Schmidt, only to pull out for personal reasons.
The former Rebel is a perfect replacement for Tamati Tua with his bulldozing running style at inside centre.
His combination with Noah Lolesio and Len Ikitau will be pivotal to their success, especially against the top sides.
3. Replacing Swain
Darcy Swain has been an underrated star for the Brumbies during his stint.
It’s easy to forget how good Swain’s form was in 2024, holding out Nick Frost from a starting side for the majority of the season.
Frost likely re-gains his spot in the starting side alongside Cadeyrn Neville, however, will face competition from Tom Hooper and new signing Tuaina Taii Tualima
4. Breakout Brumbies star
The Brumbies have a habit of making breakout stars that stun Super Rugby Pacific.
2024 was Charlie Cale’s year to shine after propelling his breakout year to a Test debut.
For 2025, the Brumbies have continued their initiative of backing their youth off the back of their Super Rugby U19s success.
Stars to watch include Lachlan Hooper, Shane Wilcox and Kadin Pritchard.
5. Brutal start
The Brumbies will get a real test of their title credentials in the first month, one of the toughest in Super Rugby.
A brutal opening round trip to Fiji awaits them before they meet the Force in Canberra.
Following this, they face an early road trip to New Zealand to face the Blues and Chiefs, one of the favourites for the title.
If Stephen Larkham’s side can negate this brutal draw with at least two away wins, they can launch themselves into the rest of the season as the team to beat.
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2024-12-17 03:08:41
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