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The Blues and the Brumbies are two of the most successful franchises in Super Rugby, having won three and two titles respectively. Who will take the honours in Round 8 of Super Rugby? Join The Roar for live coverage and scores from 7:35pm AEDT.
The Brumbies stumbled suffered shock defeat to the Melbourne Rebels last weekend, while the Blues are on the rise following two convincing wins at Eden Park, but they haven’t won away from home this season, or faced an Australian opponent.
Jerome Kaino will captain the visitors, in a line-up featuring two changes to the side which defeated the Highlanders.
In the absence of Luke Braid, who moves to the bench after shouldering a heavy workload this season, Brendon O’Connor starts at openside flanker, while midfielder Jackson Willison has been ruled out with a rib injury so George Moala shifts into centre and Tevita Li starts on the wing.
The Blues should lose little with O’Connor, who has been strong in his brief appearances off the bench this season and was outstanding for Hawke’s Bay in the ITM Cup last year. O’Connor is originally out of Gisborne Boys’ High School, one of great rugby colleges in New Zealand.
The Blues are also bolstered by the return of All Black midfielder Francis Saili, who has overcome a stress injury and will make his impact felt off the bench.
The Blues are the top try-scorers this season with 20, but statistically have the worst scrum and one of the poorest lineouts in the competition.
The Brumbies will look to attack the Blues at set-pieces but will suffer without veteran hooker Stephen Moore, the latest member of a growing Canberra casualty ward that includes David Pocock, Fotu Auelua, Henry Speight, Scott Sio, Leon Power and Clyde Rathbone.
The Brumbies have conceded the highest number of turnovers this season so will have to reduce their error rate to challenge the Blues.
A contrast of styles in this match; the Brumbies are very structured, while the Blues relish broken play.
Expect a close game!
Join The Roar for live coverage and scores from 7:35pm AEDT.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.