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The Brumbies and Reds have returned from the June break, and will take each other on for the first time this year. Join The Roar from 7:45pm (AEST) for all the live highlights and action.
The Reds have had a tumultuous season so far in 2016, sitting at the wrong end of the standings with just three wins from 12 games.
Despite their less than ideal situation, the Reds are coming into this one off a bye and a win over the Sunwolves, which is better preparation than they’ve had most of the year.
The Brumbies, on the other hand, are duking it out with the Waratahs for a finals berth, currently just edging ahead of their NSW rivals on points difference.
With a stacked New Zealand conference, there’s only one realistic spot available for Australian teams, so a win for the Brumbies is vital to create some sort of gap at the top.
Much like the visitors to their Canberra fortress tonight, the Brumbies are also coming off a bye and a win over the Sunwolves, who they ran riot over in a dominant 66-5 display.
Team News
Both sides are blooding new talent this week, bringing in four debutants between them.
For the Brumbies, currently uncontracted No.8 Ben Hyne has been given the surprise call up to replace Wallaby David Pocock, handing the young former tradie his Super Rugby debut.
In another debut of sorts, 22-year old Joe Powell will get his first run on start tonight at halfback for the home side.
Matt Toomua returns to Super Rugby from the knee injury that halted his Wallabies progress throughout the June internationals.
Andrew Smith is also returning for the Brumbies for the first time since Round 2. Smith has been missing in action for the majority of the season after suffering a serious foot injury early on.
For the Reds, co-coaches Matt O’Connor and Nick Stiles have made a host of changes to their match day squad.
Young gun Jack Tuttle will make his debut at fullback this week, replacing the injured Karmichael Hunt who could miss the rest of the season.
Leroy Houston will play his first game of Super Rugby in five years, he’ll come off the bench having returned to the Reds from a stint with European giants Bath.
Wallaby Kane Douglas will play his first game of rugby since the World Cup final last year, having recovered from a serious knee injury to make his Reds debut off the bench.
Also getting a debut cap off the bench is 20-year old Taniela Tupou, better known as ‘Tongan Thor’, who jumped into the rugby spotlight through his Youtube videos in schoolboy rugby.
Rob Simmons will be absent for the fixture, having succumbed to the injury that troubled him during the Test series against England. He will be replaced by New Zealand teenager Lurkhan Tui in the second row.
Prediction
The Brumbies are flying high at the pointy end of the standings, but they desperately need a win to create that cushion over the ever-present Waratahs.
The Reds on the other hand have nothing to lose. They’re chopping and changing in preparation for next season already, and that kind of attitude can be a real danger for the Brumbies if they’re not careful.
The home side has a strong outfit despite some changes of their own, and should realistically get the job done without too much hassle.
Brumbies to win by 19
Can the Reds steal the points on the road with a new look side? Or will the Brumbies run riot over the struggling Queensland side and consolidate top spot? Follow all the thrilling live highlights and action on The Roar from 7:45pm (AEST).
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.