Sunday afternoon is set to be a blockbuster match between the Waratahs and the Brumbies at Allianz Stadium as the top two teams of the Aussie conference go head to head.
The Waratahs have made two changes from last week’s team that lost to the Highlanders with Tolu Latu coming in for Tatafu Polota-Nau and Taqele Naiyaravoro in for Peter Betham.
The Brumbies have named an unchanged starting XV from the one that defeated the Reds last weekend. David Pocock returns to the side via the bench.
Form
Brumbies: WLWWW
Waratahs: LW,Bye,WL
The clinical Brumbies have had a superb start to the season winning four of their first five games. With the exception of a last minute Aaron Cruden penalty kick, the Brumbies would be undefeated this season. The Waratahs, on the other hand, have had an inconsistent start to the season. They have been no where near the standard which they finished 2014. There have been glimpses of their 2014 form but handling errors continue to ruin their performances.
The last time these two teams met was in last year’s semi final which the Waratahs won 26-8.
Key Match Ups
Tevita Kuridrani v Matt Carraro
Kuridrani has begun the 2015 season where he left off in 2014. The incumbent Wallaby centre has been a constant threat in the midfield for the Brumbies. Carraro has also been in great form for the Waratahs after replacing the injured Adam Ashley-Cooper. After scoring a try last week and setting one up the week before, he will be one to watch out for in attack.
Wycliff Palu v Ita Vaea
After returning to rugby after two years out with blood clots, Ita Vaea has been immense for the Brumbies this season. Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham believes Vaea has the potential to be a “Wallaby great” and if his form continues don’t be surprised to see him in a Wallaby jersey later this year.
Palu has had a bit of a quiet start to the season and has not made the same impact as he has had in previous seasons. He will need to be at his best if the Waratahs are to beat the Brumbies.
Prediction
Brumbies by 5.
Teams
Waratahs: Benn Robinson, Tolu Latu, Sekope Kepu, Will Skelton, Dave Dennis, Jacques Potgieter, Michael Hooper, Wycliff Palu, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley, Rob Horne, Kurtley Beale, Matt Carraro, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Israel Folau.
Reserves: Hugh Roach, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Sam Lousi, Mitchell Chapman, Stephen Hoiles, Brendan McKibbin, Jono Lance, Peter Betham.
Brumbies: Scott Sio, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Rory Arnold, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, Jarrad Butler, Ita Vaea, Nic White, Matt Toomua, Joe Tomane, Christian Leali’ifano, Tevita Kuridrani, Henry Speight, Robbie Coleman
Reserves: Josh Mann-Rea, JP Smith, Ruan Smith, Jordan Smiler, David Pocock, Michael Dowsett, James Dargaville, Lausii Taliauli.
