Both the Chiefs and the Brumbies will be looking to build on a solid start to their Super Rugby campaign with a third victory of the season when they meet in New Zealand this evening. We’ll have live scores from the kick-off at 5.35pm AEDT.
With a cumulative winning margin of just three points the Brumbies wins might have been tight, but the fact is they are unbeaten.
They currently sit fourth on the Super Rugby table but after wins over two of the sides tipped to struggle this season they face a genuine contender tonight in the Chiefs.
After losing their opening Super Rugby encounter to the Highlanders, the Chiefs have bounced back strongly with credible wins over the Blues and Crusaders.
The combination of a blue-collar pack and some smooth backline operators in Cruden, Williams and Kahui seems to be working well for the Waikato outfit and they will view tonight’s match as a great opportunity to make it three consecutive wins.
Both sides come into this one relatively unscathed from injuries, with Hika Elliot the only unavailability for the home side, while Matt Toomua did not travel across the Tasman with the Australian side due to a knee injury.
Can the Brumbies grind out another victory or will the home side show that they mean business in the 2012 Super Rugby season? The Super Rugby round kicks off from 5.35pm AEDT and we’ll have up to date live scores throughout. If you’re watching or following along, don’t hesitate to give us your thoughts on the action below.
Touko
Guest
Dont forget that Laurie Fisher is also a bloody good coach. I especially remember his time when he was coaching the Brumbies a few years back and his teams were full of heart and effort. Keep it up Brumbies!
Maximus
Guest
On an unrelated matter what is the SANZAR policy on neutral referees after the Spiros Sydney herald story this morning http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/the-fine-line-between-winners-and-losers-20120316-1vape.html
dc
Guest
Very impressed by the Brumbies. Youse Canberra folk should be happy. Canes supporter.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
I take a bit of an interest in the Brumbies and Rebels.
Nicksa
Guest
Its about time jake white gets some recognition...
matthew
Guest
This was a good match. Good to see a bit of heat from the Brumbies. Mowen, their number 6, Mog and Speight are great potential players Chief's had some great play at times, Retalic and Sonny Bill had fine games.
mace 22
Guest
In previous years the chiefs would've lost this game. Finally the backs have a forward pack they deserve. Well done brumbies put up a better fight than expected by most. Anyway go the hurricanes.
Bakkies
Guest
Laurie Fisher's forward education at Munster is working. Fisher is the forwards coach not White.
Original White Wendell
Guest
Great game! Jake white is a bloody good coach. Chiefs were very lucky. Was that pass 2 metres forward in their 22? Also another knock on became an off-side play by chiefs. Ref awarded scrum instead of penalty. Aussie conference soft? Ha! Referees, in front of rabid NZ crowds are soft.
granville
Guest
u so right.....the heart they showed was unbelieveable considering they playing against a team full of experienced superstars, im a huge fan of the Brumbies #6 now, that guy showed alot of promise, with experience this team can go far in the future, its a pity they didnt make use of there big #11 but overall massive effort.
Harry
Guest
Huge improvement in set pieces.
Harry
Guest
Well played Brumbies, good game all round despite the dearth of tries until the final quarter. Loved the contest between the two young 7's and the front 3's. The Brumbies strong setpieces place them in good stead to be competitive. Alexander playing at loosehead, where he should have been all along. Crucial mistake by White in kicking out on the full from the restart. Hopefully he'll learn from that - at this level these simply errors are costly, its not the Shute Shield.
bmwwilliams
Guest
Very proud of the Brums for the heart they put in today. I think the combination of a younger/more malleable team and a stronger head coach is exactly what was needed. The difference between today and the self-coached superstars of last year is like night and day. Keep playing like this and they will soon win back their support base in canberra
Student
Guest
I think this Brumbies team has potential to be tournament winners in a few years. They stayed in touch, scored when the pressure was on. If they were a little more mature they would have held the chiefs out and worked for field position for a drop or a penalty. The fact that they were incredibly competitive when everyone had written them off speaks volumes for their character and ability. All they need now is some experience. A game of this nature will season the team so that the next tight game, they'll close it out and engineer a win. Jake White's been in this position before and he has the know-how to get the team from talented young team to tournament winners. Definitely gonna be keeping an eye on the Brumbies for the next few years.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Good to see the Chiefs finally pull the forwards tighter. The Chiefs look a much tighter pack with Kane Thompson on the paddock. Rettalick will be an All Black this year. Latimer needs to go. Kane Thompson Messam and Cane/Waldrom should be the loose trio. Hika Elliot will need to do plenty to regain a starting spot over Schwalger. I must say Cruden needs some serious work on his kicking game. Way below par. Chiefs lucky to get away with the win, some poor decisions to try and run out from the 22. Should have played territory. Well done Brumbies massive heart. if only the teams with superstar rosters could play with that passion.
p.Tah
Guest
Well done anyway Brumbies. Great tough game. Aussie conference soft... Pfffttttt
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
Ahhh crap. Had the chance to get in their half at the end, but a few bad calls. But hey they got a bonus point. A lot more then people thought. What I love is the absolute heart they show. That's what I like to see. It's not pretty, but is effective. Xten was immense.
David
Guest
Tight match. Crucial mistake from Brumbies replacement halfback White. Kicks it out on the full, Chiefs lose lineout then regain (poor Brumbies control at breakdown after Mowen took it in), Chiefs truck it up and score. On such small errors these games are won and lost.
patrick
Guest
whats your team cattery
The Cattery
Roar Guru
FT Chiefs 29 Brumbies 22 Cruden converts from out wide, good kick, and that's it, bad luck to the Brumbies, really took it up to the Chiefs tonight.