The Brumbies recorded a massive win over the Sunwolves on Saturday night, defeated the Japanese side by an emormous 61 points, and in doing so moved into top spot in the Australian Conference.
REPORT: BRUMBIES ON TOP IN AUS
Final score
Brumbies 66
Sunwolves 5
WHAT NEXT? FOLLOW OUR LIVE BLOG OF STORMERS VS CHEETAHS
The Brumbies will come up against the struggling Sunwolves for the very first time tonight, hosting the Japanese outfit in Canberra. Catch all the live highlights and thrilling action from 7:45pm (AEST) on The Roar.
The Brumbies are facing an uphill struggle to make the finals with four weeks to go, especially after the Australian conference-leading Waratahs scooped the points against the Chiefs last night.
Coming off the bye, the Brumbies have been one of the best sides in a generally outclassed Australian conference this year, playing second fiddle to New Zealand across the ditch.
The Sunwolves on the other hand have had a debut season to forget, winning just a single game in 2016 on their way to the bottom of the barrel.
A draw two weeks ago with the Stormers has been one of few highlights to the season for the Moondogs, who can bring that kind of form into today’s game with hopes of an upset.
The Brumbies have made a handful of changes for the fixture. With Tomas Cubelli being given time to rest, Michael Dowsett comes into the starting line up at half back.
Ruan Smith also makes his way into the side, replacing Alexander at tighthead prop and Robbie Coleman returns from injury at inside centre.
In the backs, co-captain Christian Lealiifano will start outside Dowsett at flyhalf, while Robbie Coleman also returns to the side at inside centre after missing the win over the Rebels with a hamstring strain.
The Sunwolves have made a few changes of their own, as regular captain Shota Horie returns to the starting side after a couple of rounds on the replacements bench.
Regular starters Tusi Pisi and Riaan Viljoen have been named on the bench for this week. And at halfback, Yuki Yatomi starts ahead of Atsushi Hiwasa, who drops out of the squad.
Horie’s aforementioned return means that there is a new front row made up of Shinnosuke Kakinaga, Takeshi Kizu and Masataka Mikami at loosehead.
Akihito Yamada changes sides on the wing and Mifiposeti Paea starts in the No.14 jersey. In the second row Hitoshi Ono starts in place of Timothy Bond.
Finally, Daisuke Inoue will slot into the replacements for his Super Rugby debut.
Prediction:
Brumbies are going to win.
I wish it were more interesting than that, but the Sunwolves have proven to be cannon fodder for most of the year, and the Brumbies are in desperate need of a big win to keep their finals hopes alive.
Brumbies to win by 32
Can the Sunwolves steal a win in their first trip to the Australia’s capital? Or will the Brumbies get the job done and roll towards the top of the ladder? Follow all the live highlights and action from 7:45pm (AEST) on The Roar.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
The draw really works against the Tahs from here on in. Last test is 25th June. Re-assemble as a squad 27th, fly to Tokyo, play Moondogs, fly back, play Hurricanes.....that is their danger game, especially if there is a tough test month. If they can overcome that, they deserve their place.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Except they didn't need the points. It certainly helped, but the first tie breaker is number of wins, not points differential. Brumbies now have 8, Waratahs 7. Points difference will most likely make no difference, it will be bonus points or wins from here on in that count.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
I know... I'm just a dumb-ass who loves his rugby... and sooner watch any game rather than none, with some understanding of the limitations of some sides...
Cynical Play
Guest
He's right though (Sqn Cdr The Lord Flashheart, that is). Sunwolves King Jags Force. Flogged by all. Tonight's game had the entertainment value of a Turnbull/Shorten kareoke contest. Seriously though, Kuridrani can't find a try against the Sunswolves. He hardly assisted, blew his first touches and would not rate in the top 4 no 13s in Oz on form over the Karlsruhe 12 months. Drop him.
Cynical Play
Guest
He's right though. Sunwolves King Jags Force. Flogged by all. Tonight's game had the entertainment value of a Turnbull/Shorten kareoke contest. Seriously though, Kuridrani can't find a try against the Sunswolves. He hardly assisted, blew his first touches and would not rate in the top 4 no 13s in Oz on form over the Karlsruhe 12 months. Drop him.
Andrew C
Guest
thanks for the call Conor and also good workon your other recent ones
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Conner... I have approximately 400 bottles of wine in my cellar ... (well not really cellar... I'm a poor man .. all I can afford is wine racks that hold lots!) ..lol... Fortunately my daughter in law is a wine maker so I get amazing discounts for very good wines... *S*.. Do I take advantage of that? ..... well Umm .. BTW, I could certainly drink a whole bottle between now and 1 am ... that's nearly 3 hours... hell I gulped down a bottle last week in 40 mins exasperated with the quality of rugby that the Blues were playing against the Force! ... But will I? ........ nope... I'm a responsible drunk... *S*
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
There are a few matches to play out yet CR... the SA1 is particularly tight ... at this stage I think the SA Group wildcard will be between Sharks and Bulls but tomorrow's game might have a say in that (Bulls v Lions).
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
True I guess I was making the point that in a hypothetical situation they'd be the only team in the comp I'd bet to win in Durban. If the Sharks played in Sydney, Hamilton or Canberra (and obviously Christchurch) it's a whole different story.
Connor Bennett
Editor
I bet you can't even drink a whole bottle between now and the end of the Cheetahs Stormers game!! Hahaha I really hope for your sake she doesn't follow these comments
Connor Bennett
Editor
Click here for the full match report from this game What next? Follow our live blog of Stormers vs Cheetahs Thanks everyone who joined the blog tonight, a special mention to those adding to the comments, always appreciate the opinions and banter of you lot. Make sure to hang around for the next game between the Stormers and Cheetahs, live on The Roar of course. That one will be headed by Digger and is sure to be a ripper game.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Hey, hey, don't challenge me on that Connor ... my missus already thinks I'm a drunk!... *thinking about it, she cannot be very bright, I've been married to her for 44 years and she 'only thinks' ..*
Connor Bennett
Editor
I think I'll follow that one just to see you another bottle down!!
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
What's your prediction for your Stormers Harry-San?
Connor Bennett
Editor
Hahahah Too good
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Yee gads... if I'm gonna stay up for the Stormers Cheetah game, I might need to have a look in the wine cellar again....
Connor Bennett
Editor
That's got to be the stat of the season!! good spot Harry Hahah
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Get it right mate... June test month ... no S18 next week or next month for that matter!... *S*
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
CR... I agree but if the Saders top the prelims, that is not going to happen... all the Crusaders matches will be at home. They are however a team over the years that seem to take 'travel in their stride'
Harry Jones
Expert
Brumbies only scored 90.9% of the tries in this game