Last week’s bye afforded players and members alike the chance to catch their collective breath. After all, the first seven weeks of our Brumbies’ campaign contained enough action, twists, and turns to fill the next three seasons.
Come Saturday night in Brisbane, however, there will be little consideration of what has come before. As if it weren’t already the case, every remaining match will have a substantial effect on the all-important standings. It’s little secret that teams who finish in the top 2 are best placed to win the competition. Not since 1999 has a team finished lower than second and gone on to win the competition.
This only highlights the gravity of our round 9 match-up against the third-placed Queensland Reds. The Queenslanders head into the clash with a score to settle, following their narrow loss to the table-topping Chiefs last week. Though they proved they could match it with the best in Hamilton, our boys will be raring to go after a week of rest.
The fixture has developed into one of the marquee games on the calendar. The two sides contested both finals of Super Rugby AU (2020-21), splitting the spoils one apiece. In recent times, the Canberrans have snatched victory on their last two visits to the Sunshine State and will have plenty of confidence as they chase a third this week.
The front-row battle looks set to play a decisive role in determining the outcome. With star power in both forward packs, Saturday’s scrums could prove as entertaining as the match itself.
To wheel out an old cliché, the fixture truly feels as though the points on offer are worth double. In the context of the tightest Super Rugby season in years, a victory would prove monumental in boosting either side’s title aspirations.
Tune in via Stan Sport or 9Gem and catch all the action with a 7:35pm kick-off.
Brumbies Members travelling to the match at Suncorp Stadium, get 10% off tickets, details in last week’s The Round Up – Brumbies Newsletter.
Looking ahead to our Anzac Weekend Round clash against the Hurricanes, Members are reminded of our two for one ticket deal with the Canberra Raiders. Brumbies Members have a special offer with 20% off tickets for Raiders vs Dolphins at GIO Stadium on Sunday 27 April. Details in this week’s The Round Up – Brumbies Newsletter.
