One point separates the Brumbies and the Reds at the top of the Australian Super Rugby conference. The Waratahs may be ten points behind the Reds in third, but will be looking for an upset when they host the first-placed Brumbies on Saturday.
Last round saw the Reds move within one point of competition front-runners the Brumbies. The Queensland side put in an impressive first half performance against the Sharks, and won the match 32-17.
Rod Davies crossed the line twice, and the Fainga’a brothers both got tries in a 29-3 first half blitz. Two second half tries to the Sharks was not enough to get the South African side back into the match.
Reds fly-half Quade Cooper was a key man in the victory, setting up two tries and assisting in the other two. Cooper will look to prove himself worthy of a Wallabies position when the Reds play the Cheetahs on Sunday.
Travelling to South Africa will be difficult for Cooper and his team-mates, but the Reds should manage a close victory. And the Queenslanders will be hoping for a Waratah victory over the Brumbies on Saturday night.
The Brumbies may be top of the table, but are coming off the back of a disappointing defeat to the Crusaders two rounds ago. While the ACT side had a bye last weekend, the NSW Waratahs defeated the Stormers 21-15.
The Stormers began the scoring with a successful penalty in the 16th minute, but the Waratahs fought back with a try and a penalty of their own to head into the break 8-3.
Israel Folau was impressive for the Tahs, winning the match with a 77th minute try. Folau will look to continue his form against the Brumbies, and will be battling with ACT fullback Jesse Mogg for a starting place in the Wallabies squad.
The match is bound to be closer than the 35-6 Brumbies victory in Canberra in Round 4. The ACT-club may have the points over their cross-border rivals, but their form has dropped slightly.
The Waratahs are looking for a third consecutive victory, and a loss could be terminal to their finals hopes. The NSW club will be more determined for a victory, and this motivation may swing the match in their favour.
These are crucial matches as we countdown the rounds until the final-series. The Waratahs are the most desperate of the three teams for a win, but a victory for the Reds will also be important.
The Brumbies may be top of the ladder, but will not want to fail short of a finals berth as they did last season.
The exciting weekend of Australian Rugby action will come to a close on Sunday, with Wallabies coach Robbie Deans naming his squad for the Lions Test matches.
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