Brumbies v Reds preview

The Brumbies were heralded by most experts as the best chance amongst the Australian teams to make the finals. However, after a season of disappointment to most fans, they are now passing the last chance saloon as they somehow have a mathematical chance of still making the semi-finals. Maybe the planets will need to align also.

There has been much said in the media of last weeks performance by both players and officials against the Waratahs and the Brumbies have tried to put the controversy in the back of their minds for this all important clash. There were a few nerves when fly half Matt Giteau faced a SANZAR judiciary mid week over comments he made about referee Steve Walsh. He escaped suspension and will take his place in a injury hit backline that sees the musical chairs continue after a hamstring injury to Julian Huxley.

The Reds on the other hand were expected to just make up the numbers,  provide opposed contact sessions and be an excuse for teams to hang out in Queensland for a few days this season. Ewen McKenzie has worked wonders with a team with few Wallabies and has shown the way in playing an exciting brand of play which has seen the crowds return to Suncorp Stadium in droves.

After a season ending injury to captain James Horwill, many thought the leadership would disappear amongst the Reds but up stepped Will Genia with his ‘lead by actions, not with  words on the field’ attitude which has seen the Reds knock off the more fancied Stormers and Bulls in recent weeks. His post match interviews have also created much interest with G&GR’s own cliche counter in for maintenance before it’s next assignment.

There will be great interest in the battle for Wallabies jumpers with some mouth watering matchups across the park. To name just a few: Giteau vs Cooper, Ashley-Cooper vs Hynes, Moore vs S Faingaa and Valentine vs Genia. Robbie Deans should be attending to see who he thinks is worthy of wearing the Green and Gold in the upcoming test season.

The game also sees a family reunion amongst the Faingaa brothers. It will be the first time the Faingaa’s have played against each other at a competitive level which will make for interesting viewing. The days of playing British bulldog in the backyard at home in Queanbeyan could come in handy as they go into battle at Canberra Stadium.

For the Reds to win in Canberra they will have to overcome a daunting hoodoo which has seen them leave Canberra without a win in the history of Super Rugby. They have only ever beaten the Brumbies once – but that was by a sole point way back in 1999.  No doubt the welcoming cold weather will do it’s best to continue this record.