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Match Result:
An interesting game of two halves. The Brumbies were terrific in the opening half with David Pocock making the most of the rolling maul to get a first half hat-trick.
In the second half the Brumbies were kept scoreless, while the Highlanders staged a mini fightback. You could argue if the Highlanders were at full strength they could have really pressed for a win but it just wasn’t too be.
In the end it’s the Brumbies 31 defeating the Highlanders 18.
Match Preview:
The Brumbies are keen to maintain their lead at the top of the Australian conference when they face the Highlanders, who will look to continue their outstanding form. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7:20pm (AEST).
This is the second year in a row that the Brumbies have hosted an Anzac week fixture, and they will be bolstered by the return of Tevita Kuridrani.
Stephen Larkham has continued to play musical backline, with Robbie Coleman moving into the centres, Jessie Mogg to fullback, Michael Dowsett into scrum half, with Joe Powell starting on the bench.
Ita Vaea comes into the starting line up with Jarrad Butler moving to the bench. For the first time ever in Brumbies history two brothers will start in the front row with Ruan and JP Smith propping up Stephen Moore. Not since George and Tyrone Smith in 2010 have two brothers started together, while Anthony and Saia Fainga’a round out the only other sibling combination for the Brumbies, last sighted in 2008.
Unfortunately for the Brumbies Sam Carter won’t play, with the Wallaby taking a week off on compassionate leave following the death of a close mate.
The Brumbies will be desperate to recapture their early season form and legitimise their position on the ladder. Injuries have partially derailed their season, but with talent still available this will be a good test.
As for their opponents, they have opted to rest three All Blacks in what could be a risky choice. Ben and Aaron Smith and Malakai Fekitoa are all taking one of their mandatory rest periods this week, erasing a lot of the Highlanders’ firepower. There is still plenty of it though with Waisaki Naholo, Shaun Treeby and Patrick Osborne all still available.
Trent Renata moves to fullback and Richard Buckman will play in the centres. Funny man Fumiaki Tanaka will get a start at scrum half.
Prediction
It’s hard to get a handle on these teams especially with so many changes this week.
The Brumbies suffered a close loss two weeks ago to the Blues, while the Highlanders extended a strong lead last week only to nearly be run down by the gallant Blues.
With so much experience out for the Highlanders it’ll be hard for them to overcome the Brumbies in Canberra.
Brumbies by 7.
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.