Charlie Cale's Hat-Trick Highlights Brumbies' Pre-Season Thriller
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt was all smiles as he watched the ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs engage in a breathtaking 98-point pre-season trial at Marist College in Canberra on Thursday. The match, which ended in a narrow 50-48 victory for the Waratahs, was highlighted by a stunning first-half hat-trick from Brumbies star Charlie Cale, who made a triumphant return from a long-term back injury.
Cale's Comeback Steals the Show
Charlie Cale's blistering performance was a welcome sight for Schmidt and Brumbies assistant coach Laurie Fisher, who observed from the stands of one of Canberra's premier rugby nurseries. The 25-year-old had been sidelined for almost 11 months due to stress fractures in his back, a debilitating injury that dashed his hopes of adding to his two Wallabies caps last year. During his recovery, Cale traded rugby for pools and pilates in a dedicated effort to rebuild his body, and his efforts paid off with a dynamic display that included three tries in the opening half.
Waratahs Edge Brumbies in High-Scoring Affair
The match was a back-and-forth spectacle from the outset. Waratahs winger Max Jorgensen, fresh from signing a lucrative five-year deal with Rugby Australia, showcased his skill by turning Brumbies defender Corey Toole inside out to set up Charlie Gamble's first try. Pete Samu also impressed in his debut for the Waratahs, scoring a runaway try in the first half. For the Brumbies, centre Kadin Pritchard made a strong case for the No.13 jersey with a solid performance.
The Waratahs took a 33-29 lead into halftime and extended it soon after the break when Jorgensen scored following a turnover forced on Brumbies flyhalf Tane Edmed. However, the Brumbies rallied with tries from Andy Muirhead, Liam Bowron, and Tevita Alatini to briefly take the lead, only for the Waratahs to snatch victory with a late try by Ioane Moananu.
Selection Headaches for Stephen Larkham
As the dust settles on this high-scoring encounter, Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham faces several key decisions ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific season opener against the Western Force on February 14. The flyhalf position remains a contest between Tane Edmed and Declan Meredith, while questions linger over the No.13 and No.15 jerseys. Additionally, inside centre David Feliuai experienced cramping in the second half, and his potential replacement, Jarrah McLeod, was unavailable after being released to join the Australian sevens team in Perth due to an injury to Dietrich Roache.
McLeod, who started in last week's trial against the Western Force, will return to the Brumbies after his sevens stint, having signed a two-year deal. The centre, who credits rugby league great Greg Inglis as a key influence in his rise, is targeting a Super Rugby debut this season. Australian sevens coach Liam Barry expressed gratitude for McLeod's temporary release, noting his previous experience with the Coral Coast 7's team and his promising progress.
Schmidt's Observations and Future Implications
With the ACT's attention now turning to the upcoming season, Joe Schmidt had plenty to ponder after witnessing this star-studded trial in a Canberra schoolyard. The match not only highlighted individual talents like Cale and Jorgensen but also underscored the depth and competitiveness within Australian rugby as teams prepare for the Super Rugby Pacific campaign. The 98-point thriller served as an exciting preview of what fans can expect in the months ahead.
Match Summary: NSW Waratahs 50 (Charlie Gamble 2, Jake Gordon, Andrew Kellaway, Pete Samu, Max Jorgensen, Triston Reilly, Ioane Moananu tries; Jack Debreczeni 4, Lawson Creighton conversions) defeated ACT Brumbies 48 (Charlie Cale 3, Ryan Lonergan, Kadin Pritchard, Andy Muirhead, Liam Bowron, Tevita Alatini tries; Lonergan 3, Tane Edmed conversions) at Marist College.
