A fixture has finally been set for the ACT Brumbies to fine tune their preparations ahead of the Super Rugby AU season, with Dan McKellar's outfit to meet the Western Force in a trial match on home soil.
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The Brumbies will host the new-look Force at Viking Park on Saturday, February 6 - less than two weeks before their season-opener against the same club in Perth.
The contest, which will consist of three 30-minute periods, will be the best way for starting hopefuls to stake their claims for a spot in the round-one team after the COVID-19 pandemic forced Australian clubs to wind back to one trial apiece.
It's likely McKellar will field a strong Brumbies side with their Wallabies contingent expected to be available, including key playmaker Noah Lolesio.
The 21-year-old flyhalf, who is set to maintain a stronghold on the No.10 jersey, is excited to kick off the Brumbies' year at his John I Dent Cup home of Viking Park.
"It's awesome, especially to have the trial at Viking Park. It'll feel like home and I'm looking forward to it," Lolesio said.
"[The trial] is pretty important because it's the only game we have before heading into the season. I'm sure the boys are ready to rip in, they're probably sick of training by now. It should be good.
"[Western Force] is looking very good, especially in that backline, it should be a good challenge for us. We're not too worried about that, we're worried about us and how we can be our best for the trial."
Meanwhile, streaming-platform Stan confirmed it will charge a supplementary fee of $10 a month for its add-on sports package.
Stan Sport will broadcast Super Rugby and Wallabies Tests live and on-demand through the OTT platform, as well as Shute Shield, Super W and Wallaroos matches.
The sport package can be pre-activated now and will be available from early February.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
