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The only Australian derby of the round takes place in Canberra tonight as the Brumbies host the Force. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 7.40pm AEST
While everyone will be hoping for another match of the calibre of the Reds vs Brumbies match from last week, it is far more likely that a grinding arm-wrestle between two sides playing limited defensive rugby will be what we see.
The Brumbies are in a good space, having all but wrapped up the Australian conference by holding the Reds to a draw last week; they need to avoid complacency in their remaining derby matches.
The team will also be looking to put on a more attacking display this week to prove the rugby public that they aren’t a negative team.
It is interesting that White, Fisher and Larkham have been attempting to feed statistics to the media this week to counter the perception gleaned from last weeks’ match that they play boring rugby.
A solid attacking performance tonight will do far more to rehabilitate their image than any set of numbers in a news story.
Maintaining a home ground fortress is important for any team with title aspirations and the Brumbies will know that they cannot afford to take the Force lightly, not after the draw that the Kings conjured up here in Canberra three weeks ago.
The Western Force meanwhile will be looking to add a third big scalp to their 2013 list of conquests.
Having already knocked off competition heavyweights the Reds and the Crusaders, the Brumbies will be firmly in their sights (as will the Chiefs, who they take on in two weeks’ time).
The Force were very dour against the Hurricanes last week and like the Brumbies will be looking for an improved attacking performance.
Hopefully we see the return of Kyle Godwin and Alfie Mafi to add some spark to the Force backline.
Although this match doesn’t have the same implications as last weeks’ derby did for Wallaby selections there will still be some good match-ups to watch.
Fotu Auelua and Joe Tomane in particular are fringe candidates for test selection who had a quiet match last week and will be looking to return to form.
Meanwhile, the George Smith saga rolls on with Robbie Deans almost unable to control his grin when talking to Fox Sports about the prospect of George Smith suiting up for the Lions series.
Smith himself has come out and said this week for the first time that he wants to play for the Wallabies again.
He can take another big step towards that goal tonight if he out-points the all Wallaby Western Force loose trio of Matt Hodgson, Ben McCalman and Richard Brown.
It’s a real banana-skin match for the Brumbies and it will be very interesting to see Jake White’s – and the playing group’s – response to the negative tag they have been assigned.
Join us here from 7.40pm AEST for all the action and feel free to join in the conversation during the game.
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.