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Dan Carter is still New Zealand’s best five-eighth, say the Brumbies, but don’t for one second think they’re not treating Chiefs pivot Aaron Cruden as a massive threat.
The Brumbies and Chiefs will meet for a grand final re-match at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night in a knockout Super Rugby qualifying final.
When the two sides last met in round 11, the Brumbies partly avenged last year’s grand final defeat with a comprehensive 41-23 victory over the two-time defending champions.
But that win counts for nothing in the confidence stakes, says Brumbies director of rugby Laurie Fisher, as the Chiefs were missing key playmakers Cruden (thumb) and Tawera Kerr-Barlow (concussion).
“Cruden and Kerr-Barlow make it a whole different team,” said Fisher.
“We’ve looked at that game, but it’s not going to help us win.”
After directing the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles, Cruden, 25, has started at No.10 for the All Blacks in their four most-recent games while Carter, 32, was taking a six-month break ahead of the 2015 World Cup.
When asked if Cruden had stepped up in Carter’s absence to become NZ’s best playmaker, Fisher replied: “Look, I’d pick Dan Carter if I had to. But I’d take either.”
Fisher’s high assessment of Cruden was echoed by Brumbies skipper Ben Mowen.
“One of the best 10s in the competition. He’s a massive threat,” Mowen said.
“We’re going to have our hands full.”
That said, the Brumbies have their own in-form No.10 in Matt Toomua, whose imposing defensive game could just act as the perfect foil for Cruden’s attacking raids.
Toomua’s also coming into the match after picking up a hat-trick in last week’s 47-25 thumping of the Western Force.
“Matty is a big physical 10. He’s in the best form I’ve ever seen him,” Mowen said.
The Chiefs have been the most-penalised team this season, averaging 13.1 penalties per game to the Brumbies’ 11.8.
However, Mowen will resist the temptation to get into referee Craig Joubert’s ear about that stat.
“Nah not yet – I don’t think we’re too far behind,” he laughed.
The game is all but certain to be Mowen’s last Super Rugby match at Canberra Stadium, which will also double as his record-breaking 50th as Brumbies captain – surpassing legend George Gregan.
“Obviously, I’m very proud. But I want the pathway to keep going,” he said.
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.