Andy Muirhead (pictured, April 2025), along with Slipper and Valetini, played vital roles in the Brumbies’ win against the Force in the first game of the 2026 Super Rugby season. Photo: Jaye Grieshaber.
There was a sense of the unknown heading into the opening game of the season for the Brumbies with a number of new faces and two losses in the pre-season.
With no Len Ikitau, Tom Hooper and Noah Lolesio this season, and without Tom Wright, Alan Alaalatoa and Nick Frost for the opening round, the uncertainty was understandable.
This is coupled with the fact that the Brumbies had been hammered 42-12 in a pre-season game against the Force a fortnight before taking on the same team in the first round.
But fear not. Despite a slow start with the Force leading 10-nil in the first 20 minutes, the Brumbies clicked into gear with their trademark clinical approach to adversity, which has served them so well for so many years.
The Brumbies piled on nine tries from the 23rd minute with a bonus point 56-24 victory in stifling hot conditions in Perth.
While it wasn’t perfect, especially during the first 20 minutes when the breakdown in particular looked clunky, the Brumbies culture was on full display as they were able to rectify what was going wrong mid-game.
Young players such as Meredith and Pritchard seamlessly assumed positions filled previously by Lolesio and Ikitau.
It has been a trademark of the Brumbies since their inception that every player running out knows their specific roles.
The strong belief in the game plan was never more evident than when Charlie Cale crossed the line midway through the first half following a patient buildup. Andy Muirhead pursued the short side to find Cale on the fly. It was obviously a planned move to utilise the blindside with Cale, and it worked to perfection.
Cale, who missed last season with a back injury, showed how potent he can be in his return to Super Rugby.
Just as important was his work in the lineouts.
Of equal significance was the role played by Declan Meredith, who has shown glimpses of what he is capable of in the past couple of years in cameo appearances.
This season, despite the arrival of Wallaby fly-half Tane Edmed, Meredith appears determined to make the most of his opportunity.
While Cale and Meredith shone, the platform was effectively laid by the experienced players – Slipper, Valetini and Muirhead.
Valetini’s work around the ruck was exceptional as he put the Force defence on the backfoot every time he carried the ball, and he was just as ferocious in defence.
Valetini showing his usual determination against the Waratahs in May 2025. Photo Jayzie Photography
Muirhead, at fullback again, put his heart into every aspect of the game, while Slipper appears to be simply ageless.
There was much to like about the Brumbies on Saturday night, but the real test in Super Rugby has been shown through results against Kiwi teams in New Zealand.
It all becomes real as the Brumbies prepare to play the Crusaders in Round 2 in Christchurch.
