The finals are edging closer and the equation is simple for the Brumbies if they are to make it – win their remaining games.
This scenario was eerily similar in 2012 when these two sides faced off in the final game of the regular season only for the Brumbies to stumble at the final hurdle and miss out so this time around there won’t be any complacency knowing what’s at stake.
This time the game is over in Auckland and the Blues might not be in contention for the finals but can have a big say in the final make up of the Aussie conference with this game followed by a clash with the Waratahs next week.
Last year’s game was also in Auckland and came down to the wire with the Brumbies coming up short to allow the Blues their first win of the season.
Both teams had contrasting games last week with the Brumbies taking some time to find their form before running away with it late against the Reds whilst the Blues went down in a competitive game against the Hurricanes and will be looking to give coach Tana Umaga something to think about as they look towards 2017.
The Brumbies have made two changes to their starting side with Tomas Cubelli’s impact after coming on last week too much to ignore and swaps with Joe Powell at scrum half.
The other change is injury enforced with the unfortunate season ending injury to Ben Hyne meaning Michael Wells starts at 8.
Key Matchups
Fardy v Kaino – Scott Fardy has to step up in the absence of David Pocock to help the rest of the backrow but is coming off a draining Test series against England and will have to be at his best to against All Black Jerome Kaino who has been round long enough and has the experience to pull out a big game when it matters most.
Lealiifano v West – The Brumbies will need to right on their game if they are to win this one. Last week Lealiifano looked more comfortable with Matt Toomua alongside him and his goal kicking will again be crucial.
Ihaia West holds the keys to unlocking the Blues backline that has looked better in recent games. The absence of George Moala has been a big loss but the Blues have found capable replacements to fill the gaps.
Prediction
The Brumbies can’t start like they did against the Reds last week in the game or they’ll lose, it’s that simple. They rolled into Auckland last year against a winless Blues and lost that one and coupled with the reminder of 2012 in the back of their minds, the Brumbies should be up for a big game against the resurgent Blues, but only just. Brumbies by 3.
Teams
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BRUMBIES
1. Scott Sio
2. Stephen Moore (c)
3. Ben Alexander
4. Rory Arnold
5. Sam Carter
6. Scott Fardy
7. Jarrad Butler
8. Michael Wells
9. Tomás Cubelli
10. Christian Lealiifano (c)
11. James Dargaville
12. Matt Toomua
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Nigel Ah Wong
15. Aidan Toua
Reserves:
16. Josh Mann-Rea
17. Allan Alaalatoa
18. Ruan Smith
19. Blake Enever
20. Tom Staniforth
21. Joe Powell
22. Andrew Smith
23. Lausii Taliauli
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BLUES
1. Sam Prattley
2. James Parsons
3. Ofa Tu’ungafasi
4. Patrick Tuipulotu
5. Josh Bekhuis/Scott Scrafton
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Kara Pryor
8. Steven Luatua
9. Bryn Hall
10. Ihaia West
11. Tevita Li
12. Piers Francis
13. Male Sa’u/Matt Vaega
14. Matt Duffie
15. Melani Nanai
Reserves:
16. Quentin MacDonald
17. Nic Mayhew
18. Sione Mafileo
19. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti
20. Blake Gibson
21. Billy Guyton
22. Matt Vaega/Michael Little
23. Lolagi Visinia
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