The wait for the Brumbies to play in the finals again is finally over. After a nine year wait the Brumbies take on the Free State Cheetahs in Canberra on Sunday afternoon.
It has been a long time between drinks for the home side but amazingly they still have two players in their ranks who have tasted Super Rugby success. George Smith and Clyde Rathbone were part of the last Brumbies team to play in the finals in 2004, coincidentally the last time they won the title.
With that in mind, coach Jake White has named both to start in this match adding that their experience will be invaluable to an inexperienced team. The pair have been able to pass on their experiences to a side that suffered a case of the yips in their last game where they suffered a disappointing loss to the Force in Perth that ultimately cost them a spot in the top two.
Also back in the starting side is Nic White who was sorely missed last week and his inclusion will bring some stability to the halves. His combination with Matt Toomua has been fairly solid all year and his kicking game will be put to good use in this game to relieve some of the pressure off Toomua and Jesse Mogg.
Jake White says the team haven’t changed anything this week in preparation for the final but has noticed an added sense of excitement amongst the playing group.
The boys from Bloemfontein are coming off their best ever season in Super Rugby and finished the season off well after a slow start. Their traveling form has improved dramatically in recent seasons and this year won three of four on the road. They also completed a clean sweep against Australian sides but did not meet the Brumbies during the regular season.
The last time they did play the Brumbies in Canberra was in 2012 and it took a late penalty goal from Christian Lealiifano to get the home side over the line.
The Brumbies have come a long way under Jake White since that game against the Cheetahs. The last round yips of the last two seasons will need to be quickly forgotten and no doubt Jake White has made that the case this week since there is no ‘next week’ at this time of the season.
The players know what is needed it’s now a case bag your bags and go to Pretoria after the game or pack your bags and go home. There might be snow and cold weather forecast but that is no excuse to not come and see the Brumbies in the finals.
Here are the key matchups.
The breakdown battle
The Cheetahs backrow are massive units and tackling machines all over the 100kg mark. Heinrich Brussow is one of the best going around in his position and the battle with George Smith will be one to keep an eye on. Brussow has had battles with injuries that have kept him out at crucial times but looks to be back to his best in 2013.
The Brumbies won’t change their game plan in this area and will always have a crack at the ball no matter the consequences. All three players named by the Brumbies were part of the Wallabies squad in the recent Lions series so they can do the job.
Kicking game
With no bonus points on offer, we can expect a low risk game plan from both sides. The respective fullbacks have huge boots on them and will probably be called on often to get their sides out of trouble.
Jesse Mogg will be looking to make up for last weeks poor game and will need to be accurate with his kicking with the Cheetahs possessing a dangerous back three that could cause headaches for the Brumbies defence if given a chance. Willie le Roux is dangerous in open space so keeping the ball away from him will be vital.
Hennie Daniller also has a huge boot that the Cheetahs will use effectively. The Brumbies were off their game under the high ball against the Force and this could be one area they try to exploit.
[one_half last=”no”]
Brumbies
1. Scott Sio
2. Stephen Moore
3. Ben Alexander
4. Scott Fardy
5. Sam Carter
6. Peter Kimlin
7. George Smith
8. Ben Mowen (c)
9. Nic White
10. Matt Toomua
11. Clyde Rathbone
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Henry Speight
15. Jesse Mogg
Replacements
16. Siliva Siliva
17. Ruan Smith
18. Fotu Auelua
19. Colby Faingaa
20. Ian Prior
21. Andrew Smith
22. Joe Tomane
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
Cheetahs
1. Coenie Oosthuizen
2. Adriaan Strauss (c)
3. Lourens Adriaanse
4. Lood de Jager
5. Ligtoring Landman
6. Heinrich Brussow
7. Lappies Labuschagne
8. Philip van der Walt
9. Piet van Zyl
10. Riaan Smit
11. Raymond Rhule
12. Robert Ebersohn
13. Johann Sadie
14. Willie ‘Spiders’ le Roux
15. Hennie Daniller
Replacements
16. Ryno Barnes
17. Trevor Nyakane
18. Waltie Vermeulen
19. Boom Prinsloo
20. Sarel Pretorius
21. Elgar Watts
22. Ryno Benjamin
[/one_half]
Kick off 4:10pm Sunday
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistants: Rohan Hoffman, James Leckie
TMO: Matt Goddard
