- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
This early Friday night game sees the Blues playing the Brumbies at Eden Park in Auckland. Join The Roar from 5:35pm (AEST) for all the live action.
This match shapes as a defining moment in the Brumbies season, who are locked in a neck-and-neck race with the Waratahs to earn automatic qualification to the 2016 finals.
At the moment, they are ahead of the Waratahs despite having the same amount of competition points, by virtue of securing more wins in the season. With the Waratahs’ Round 16 match still to be played, the Brumbies know they must win tonight to keep ahead of their conference rivals.
The Blues, on the other hand, are bringing up the rear of the New Zealand conference for the third straight year and, as the betting odds indicate, are outsiders for this match. Despite being well out of finals contention, there is still plenty to play for tonight, not only to put on a show for the home town crowd but also as players look to impress coach Tana Umaga as he prepares to build his squad for 2017.
The Brumbies play a structured game with a strong set piece aided by several Wallaby internationals and it isn’t difficult to they will look to play the percentages this evening, pinning the Blues in their half and utilising their strong forward pack.
Thomas Cubelli shapes as a pivotal figure for the Brumbies this evening. The Argentine international has proved a handful for many oppositions and his tactical awareness is important to the Brumbies structure.
The Blues, however, should not be intimidated by this prospect. Strong showings in recent rounds, particularly from their forwards, show they have plenty of muscle up front and will fancy their chances to gain parity with this Brumbies pack.
The form of Jerome Kaino has been excellent, with the regular All Black inspiring his less-experienced teammates. If his form can continue, the Brumbies could be in for a difficult night, especially with the talent the Blues have out wide to utilise the counter-attack.
Melani Nanai, the Blues fullback, was in brilliant form last week against the Hurricanes and the Brumbies will not want to afford him too many opportunities.
Prediction
It’s a left-of-field decision, but I’ll go with my gut instinct on this one and say the Blues can cause an upset.
Blues by three.
Join us here on The Roar for our live blog of what promises to be a tense Round 16 Super Rugby clash between the Blues and Brumbies.
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.