The Brumbies will be looking to keep the heat on the Waratahs at the top of the Australian conference when they host the Bulls, who will be looking to keep their finals aspirations alive. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm (AEST).
Before a tackle has been made the Brumbies have already suffered a blow, with fly half Matt Toomua unable to recover from the ankle injury he sustained in last week’s win against the Lions.
Robbie Coleman comes into the side for him, with Christian Lealiifano moving to 10.
On the plus side, Scott Sio is back for his first Super Rugby game since April, after regaining his fitness with local side the Vikings.
The Bulls meanwhile will welcome back Adriaan Strauss to the starting line up.
They started red hot against the Chiefs last week before fading badly to suffer a 14 point loss, unable to run with the Chiefs, who played superb rugby. Tonight won’t be any easier with the Bulls winning just one of eight games in Canberra.
The weather could be the defining factor in how this game is played, and a bit of wet wouldn’t be bad for the Bulls.
Prediction
If last week was anything to go, expect the Brumbies to play expansive rugby to run the Bulls off their feet, and take the points when they are on offer.
Still, beating the Brumbies at home is a difficult task and in their current form I don’t believe the Bulls can do it.
Brumbies by 14.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:30pm (AEST).
If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
apelu
Guest
The Brumbies lost a Super Title to the Chiefs due to White's poor kicking for the line from a penalty. I think he has made a few of this error since.
Zero Ga
Guest
Nah, scrums were over policed and he blew a penalty almost every time. Rubbish.
Zero Ga
Guest
Except for the scrums where he found a penalty almost every single time.
Joe
Roar Rookie
100% agree. White was really rubbish at the end and should be nowhere near an important match. Seems he still hasn't learnt any lessons from last year and will totally ruin the Brumbies season once its clutch play time.
Harry
Guest
He skills are good enough for international - he just doesn't have the temperament. Maybe when his back from France....
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
:roll: He was man of the match two weeks ago...
Cynical Play
Guest
Looks like medial ligament. Will be 6 weeks
Cynical Play
Guest
YEP...speight and Horne for sure. GREAT.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Yep Spies has always been very very quick. He'll out-sprint most wingers. Kankowski is a very quick 8 too, I've seen him catch wings and leave many 13's behind who can only wish they could catch him.
Cynical Play
Guest
3 reasons I cannot have Nic White in my starting Wallabies - his mouth (gets away with it in Canberra but elsewhere it attracts adverse referee attention, and he annoys alot of Australian fans; his box kick (occasional use fine, but White gives away possession for little gain time and time again and he can't stop himself); and slow service (his service was so slow tonight I had a shave while waiting...seriously slow and never fast ball). Fine at provincial level but not the class of a 1st choice Wallaby No 9.
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks Brent. Good call
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
Cheers, Brent.
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks Brent
Woodsman
Guest
Yep, I'll let Lyndon Bray know he has the Roar seal of approval and can stay.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Thanks to everyone who joined me, I gotta rest up as I'll be back later in the week to do the Tahs and Lions! :)
PeterK
Roar Guru
Grats brumbies you played well. I thought a bit lucky not to be carded for all the penalties within the 22 though.
Woodsman
Guest
Yeah I guess I just haven't noticed him in the open much. Gets bogged down doing the tight work I suppose. Or I just havent been paying attention ;)
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Full Time Strange game that one, it felt like either team could've bown the other out of the water but in the end it was two consecutive tries to Henry Speight that blew the Bulls out of the water. Their season is effectively over unless some favourable games go their way. The Brumbies put the heat back on the Tahs to get the job done in Joburg. While you would expect the Stormers to extend their conference lead against the Cheetahs meaning the Bulls would have to rely on teams like the Highlanders losing this weekend. The scrums were hard to call, the referee appeared to change the way he refereed them at times. Lealiifano's radar was off early but he found it late which will be pleasing for Brumbies' fans. Pollard was good but couldn't find space enough in the game. The defence from both sides outstanding, the maul defence from the Bulls is something a lot of teams could learn from, in the end the Brumbies get the result they were after. The Bulls will learn from this and will look to make the most out of their remaining fixture. Brumbies 22 vs Bulls 16
PeterK
Roar Guru
white did his best to lose it though by missing that penalty kick for the line
PeterK
Roar Guru
young ref had another very good game