Brumbies v Chiefs preview

The CA Brumbies have rung the changes for their clash with the Chiefs this Friday. This game sees the return to the match day squad of Julian Huxley, who returns to Super Rugby after a well documented battle with a brain tumour.

Other changes in the squad see newcomers Michael Hooper and Colby Faingaa elevated from the Brumby Runners squad and the return of Stirling Mortlock will be welcomed after the team struggled to contain a rampant Blues backline in the previous game.

The game comes at a very important time in the Brumbies season as they head into the bye after this match. The team will be looking to head into their season break with an extra 4, preferably 5, points added to their season tally. The Brumbies know they can’t play like last week if they are to compete with the Chiefs, who are coming off the bye.  The team has worked hard at training on the mistakes that were made in the key areas of restarts and missed tackles.

The new combinations across the field for the Brumbies will have little time to settle and it is crucial that the communication between the new players is working as long term injuries have made some necessary changes.
The Chiefs will be looking to get their season back on track after losing their last 2 games, which were at home, to Queensland and the Crusaders. The season started off well with 3 wins on the road that should have set them up for a good season.

The Hamiltonians will be looking to take full advantage of their dangerous counter attacking game, especially from their back 3 of Sivivatu, Masaga and Muliaina. This is not the only area the Brumbies should focus on as the back row have also all played for the All Blacks so the team could threaten from anywhere on the park.

Fly half Stephen Donald will want to hope he brought his kicking boots to Canberra as he matches up with Matt Giteau, who has been kicking well and kept his team in the game last week. Donald can be inconsistent at times but this is one game where he can not afford to do so.