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The Brumbies went down to reigning Super Rugby champs the Highlanders 10-23 on Saturday night, further worsening their chances of making the 2016 Super Rugby Finals.
REPORT: BRUMBIES LOSE TO HIGHLANDERS
However in a piece of good news it appears their dramatic off-field saga involving CEO Michael Jones is over, with the team announcing mid-game that he has agreed to depart the organisation.
Final score
Highlanders 23
Brumbies 10
This Saturday night game sees the Highlanders playing the Brumbies from Rugby Park in Invercargill. Join The Roar from 5.35PM (AEST) for all the live scores and commentary.
Both sides tonight come into this match with inconsistent recent form and while we are only just over halfway through the round robin stage of the Super tournament, a loss for either side can prove costly looking ahead to the playoffs.
With both sides competing in tightly-contested conferences, a win tonight is must for both franchises, as both risk falling off the pace with a loss.
Neither side has displayed much cohesion in recent matches and this will be high on their priority list to get right tonight.
The Brumbies have some welcome news this evening with their influential openside, David Pocock, returning to the playing side after serving time on the sidelines with suspension. Unfortunately, the Brumbies will be without two of their more consistent performers in wing Joe Tomane and Captain Stephen Moore, both of whom are out with injury. Christian Lealiifano will captain the side tonight in his absence.
Despite these absences, the Brumbies are still able to field a strong looking line-up full of international experience and with plenty of strike power out wide and will be motivated to put out a sound performance after a disappointing outing last Sunday at home and perhaps, the trip away may be beneficial for the side to escape the swirling off-field distractions the franchise is currently dealing with.
The Highlanders also have not had an ideal run into this match either, losing Hooker Liam Coltman to injury and utility back Jason Emery to suspension causing some reshuffling of tonight’s playing roster with Rob Thomson coming into the starting side at inside centre and Ash Dixon starting at hooker.
For the Highlanders, they will recognise the significant threat the Brumbies pose in their forward pack and they will need to produce a committed performance up front to ensure their dangerous backs can have an influence on tonight’s match.
A match-up to look forward too is the clash of the centres in Tevita Kuridrani for the Brumbies and Malakai Fekitoa for the Highlanders, two internationals going head to head. Both powerful runners with ball in hand and staunch defenders, this will be a clash to keep an eye on.
Join me as I cover all the action live in what will be a pivotal match for both franchises this evening.
Tip – Highlanders by 6. Hometown advantage has me tipping the Clan tonight.
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.