They’re winless and coming stone last, but the Brumbies know there’s good reason to be wary of the Blues in Friday night’s Super Rugby clash.
For starters it’s the Blues’ first match this season at their true home ground, Eden Park, after it was used for the cricket World Cup.
And then there are the telling stats.
Sir John Kirwan’s Blues may be 0 and 7 for the season but they hold the most bonus points in the competition, courtesy of losing five matches by seven points or less.
Their biggest defeat was their fighting 12-point loss to defending champions NSW Waratahs in Sydney in round seven.
The Australian conference-leading Brumbies (5-2) last in their earlier foray across the Tasman, falling to the Chiefs in Hamilton in round two.
Brumbies prop Scott Sio is more focussed on the Blues’ talented line up – an All Blacks-stacked pack in front of a gifted but raw backline which has made too many errors.
“If you look at them from 1 to 15 individually, they’re such a great team,” Sio said.
“It’s going to be a collective effort; they’ve got so much strike power in (No.8) Jerome Kaino, (Flanker) Steven Luatua, and Charles Piutau and Frank Halai out wide too.
For the five-Test Wallaby, the Blues clash also represents a chance for Sio to test himself against All Blacks prop, Charlie Faumuina.
All going well, it won’t be the last time Sio packs down against Faumuina at Eden Park this year.
“He established himself as the All Blacks tighthead toward the backend of the year, and with (Fellow frontrowers) Tony Woodcock and Kevan Mealamu – who’s the most capped Super Rugby player ever – so you can see just through their experience just how tough a task it’s going to be for myself, Benny [Alexander], and ‘Squeak’ [Stephen Moore],” Sio said.
“But we relish these opportunities and we’re looking forward to it.”
Breeze101
Roar Rookie
Brumbies are aware of the Challenge that lies ahead of them but the pressure is on the Blues to finally break their losing streak!! Eden park is no different to any Rugby field, I'm a Blues supporter & they just have to dig deeper & find something called a heart and play with it!!
maximillian
Guest
I heard on the radio that the Blues could still make the playoffs!!! The Highlanders were 6th last year with an 8 wins/8 losses record. The Blues still have 6 of their remaining 9 games at Eden Park where you mentioned their record is pretty good. 1 can still live in hope!
Marty
Guest
Very tempted to pick the Blues for an upset at home....but!!!!! I think the recent departure announcements of Saili and Piatau wouldn't bode well for morale. Blues are a side with plenty of talent and on their day when it all comes together are giant killers. If only they had a gameplan.
Maxt
Guest
This is just the sort of a game where the Blues could click. I expect a safety first approach from the Brumbies, especially in the area of giving the ball to the blues from kick returns.
taylorman
Roar Guru
now let me think...whens the last time any oz team won at Eden park...'easily'...good luck with that one... ;-) plus...the grounds too BIG!
Taylorman
Guest
Eden park. Unbeaten there since 2013 with a blues side at the most desperate time in the history of their franchise. Hope the fans get out and support them. A win is well overdue.
wiya
Guest
yeah mate i think the brumbies will win that one
wiya
Guest
yeah mate but what is wrong with michael dowsett he never get time to pay what's wrong with larkham
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Naahhh I've tipped the Brums to win easily , the Blues's season is well and truly shot anyways , may the Man called Ranger be the Great Auk Messiah anointed to resurrect the Team's past glories in times of old.............. ;-)
Rugby Tragic
Guest
As a Blues fan, I love it the way other sides try to play down their chances against a team that has not won a game all year........................... so far!
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Don't worry about the Blues Rob... we are LAST on the ladder ...
Rugby Tragic
Guest
and Rene Ranger is back NEXT year to tackle the Brumbies again!
MH01
Guest
Not feeling too comfortable about this game. The Blues have had some close games, and Brumbies do not have a good track record against them. I have a feeling the home side might get up.
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
;)
wiya
Guest
Your comment..PJM my biggest worry is nic white he is too slow behind the pack i mean look at the backline of the brumbies they are very dangerous but nic is too slow for me
pjm
Roar Rookie
Brumbies forwards need to step up, they've gone missing before in a tough contest.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
Agree Rob, they are a bogey team for the Brumbies, especially when they had Ranger. He destroyed them a few times. Does skew the head to head that the Brumbies lost in finals to that unstoppable Blues team in the first years of the comp.
Brett McKay
Expert
You'll excuse us if we don't quite believe you Rob! :lol:
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
The Blues are a bogey team for the Brumbies. From 20 matches the Brumbies have only won 9, and the figures for away games are even worse (4 from 11). The ladder might make the choice seem easy, but I am honestly not sure who to tip in this match. Leaning towards the home side.