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The first week of the 2014 Super Rugby finals sees the Brumbies facing the defending champions the Chiefs in Canberra at 7:40pm (AEST) on Saturday night.
This clash is a replay of last year’s grand final, only this time the Brumbies have the home ground advantage – something that should provide considerable favour, with the Brumbies recording seven wins from eight matches at home in 2014.
They also enter the match with the confidence of a recent convincing win against the Chiefs in Round 11 of this season, a match the Brumbies won 41-23 at the same venue.
When two teams meet in a grand final, an inevitable rivalry is born. The Brumbies have played down talk that they will enter this match with revenge on their mind; it is however impossible to imagine that the players will not have last year’s decider in their thoughts during the lead up.
Despite the Brumbies entering this match in red-hot form, the Chiefs are proven big-game players – and have the silverware to prove it! Even with a home ground advantage, the Brumbies will have to be on their game in this one.
In the Brumbies favour is their ability to start games convincingly. They have scored 12 opening quarter tries this season, second only to the Waratahs with 14; if they can get an early jump on the Chiefs, they will be well on their way to the second week of the finals.
Matt Toomua will be the danger man for the Brumbies after he managed to score a hat trick against the Force last week – the first try-scoring treble for the team since Mark Gerard 10 years ago.
Christian Lealiifano will need to improve his kicking this week with captain Ben Mowen calling a beer tax for missed opportunities. Lealiifano may find himself having to shout his whole team if a loss comes from missed penalties and conversions.
The major changes for the sides include Robbie Coleman starting on the left wing in place of Clyde Rathbone and Dwayne Sweeney starting at fullback in place of Tom Marshall.
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Time: 7:40pm (AEST)
Last Time: Brumbies 41-23 Chiefs (Round 11 2014)
Head-to-head: Brumbies 12, Chiefs 7, drawn 1
Referee: Craig Joubert
TV: Fox Sports 2 (LIVE)
Betting: Brumbies $1.53, Chiefs $2.50
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the Brumbies versus Chiefs knock-out clash from 7:40pm (AEST) on Saturday.
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.