Now that the result over in Auckland is known, the Brumbies need just a bonus point to book their place in the finals for 2016.
That all seems fairly straight forward but like last week, the Brumbies have been in this position before and stumbled at the final hurdle and suffered an embarrassing loss.
In 2013, the Brumbies rolled into Perth just needing to beat the Force to avoid the scenic route to the finals but came up short. Hopefully they have learnt a harsh lesson from that match and also after last weeks disappointing result in the heavy loss to the Blues.
The Brumbies have stepped up the intensity at training this week to try and make up for the lack of it in Auckland where they got shown up in that and most other areas.
The home side will be looking to a quick start to keep the pressure on the Force as chasing the result late in the game isn’t something they are accustomed to and despite vastly different squads, have the added matter of payback after the Force knocked them off in the World Club 10’s final in Mauritius during the Test break.
The Force will be looking at Jonno Lance and Dane Haylett-Petty to spark their backline into action in similar fashion like they did against the Cheetahs two weeks again. They do have players with Wallaby experience in Morahan and Tapuai out in the wider channels and could be one area where theay can exploit the Brumbies rush defence.
The Form
The Brumbies had a poor outing last week against the Blues but they weren’t alone in that department with the Force also losing at home against the Stormers to go winless at home in 2016 so both side will be looking to finish the regular season on a high, with the Brumbies aiming to win all their conference matches in 2016.
The Brumbies are on a five game winning streak against the Force since that 2013 match and have won five from seven against the Force in Canberra with the last time the Force tasting success way back in 2011.
Key Matchups
Toomua v Godwin – An interesting matchup with rumours that Godwin is in contention to replace Toomua when he heads to Leicester after this season. Last week aside, Toomua has steadied the Brumbies backline to give some more attacking options.
Butler v Alcock – With David Pocock having the 2017 Super Rugby season off, these two will audition to fill those big shoes with Alcock on his way to the Brumbies on a one year deal. With two big physical packs, this is where the game will be won.
Prediction
The Brumbies will be stinging after last week’s result and have their finals destiny in their own hands. They won’t be foolish enough to let this one out of their grasp.
Brumbies by 12.
Teams
[one_half last=”no”]
BRUMBIES
1. Scott Sio
2. Stephen Moore (c)
3. Ruan Smith
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. Ben Alexander
19. Blake Enever
20. Tom Staniforth
21. Joe Powell
22. Andrew Smith
23. Lausii Taliauli
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
FORCE
1. Pek Cowan
2. Harry Scoble
3. Guy Millar
4. Ross Haylett-Petty
5. Rory Walton
6. Brynard Stander
7. Chris Alcock
8. Richard Hardwick
9. Ian Prior
10. Jono Lance
11. Luke Morahan ©
12. Kyle Godwin
13. Ben Tapuai
14. Marcel Brache
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
Reserves:
16. Anaru Rangi
17. Francois van Wyk
18. Jermaine Ainsley
19. Matt Philip
20. Kane Koteka
21. Ryan Louwrens
22. Peter Grant
23. Semisi Masirewa
[/one_half]
Stats from Opta
