Friday Night Lights brings a fascinating contrast across the back three, as Archie Brosch makes his first Champ Rugby start for Richmond on the wing, lining up against one of the league’s most accomplished operators in Telusa Veainu.

Brosch’s selection caps a steady rise since arriving from Newcastle University over the summer. After impressing consistently for the Vikings (2nd XV), he has earned his opportunity at Champ level, contributing off the bench before being handed the starting shirt for the first time this weekend. Naturally a full-back but comfortable anywhere across the back three, the 6ft 3 speedster offers aerial security, strong hands, and the versatility of a true Swiss-army-knife option for the backline. In style, there are similarities to a Liam Williams-type profile: dominant in the air, aggressive in contact, and capable of popping up across the field to influence moments. There’s composure to his game, but also a sharp edge, the sort of player who can pick his moments and, when the opening appears, isn’t afraid to land a telling blow. With Doncaster leading the league for retained kicks, Brosch’s presence from the outset may prove key in contesting the aerial battle.

At the other end of the experience spectrum stands Telusa Veainu. The Tonga international has been one of the Champ’s most dangerous attacking threats this season, topping 100 metres in successive rounds and consistently bending defences with his pace and power. His career pedigree speaks for itself, from Super Rugby titles to Premiership honours, and a standout Rugby World Cup campaign in 2019 where he finished as Tonga’s leading try scorer.

Youth versus experience. Raw ambition against proven class. Under the lights at the RAG, it’s a real backline test.