It might be one of the Brumbies’ best chances to win a Super Rugby title but it’s certainly not their last, according to departing star Matt Toomua.
The ACT franchise play the Highlanders in the first quarter final on Friday night at GIO Stadium and are the only Australian team in the playoffs.
While they are quietly confident of beating the reigning champions, a loss would spell the end for a number of big-name players leaving at season’s end.
Toomua is heading to English club Leicester, while co-captain Stephen Moore is returning to the Queensland Reds.
Injured winger Joe Tomane has signed a deal with French outfit Montpellier, with Wallabies flanker David Pocock taking a 12-month sabbatical before returning in 2018.
But Toomua doesn’t buy into 2016 marking the end of a so-called ‘premiership window’ for the Brumbies, who are chasing their first championship since 2004.
“The elephant in the room is that there’s a lot of guys leaving at the end of the year so it’s a good chance,” he said.
“It doesn’t mean we can’t win it next year or years going on if we don’t and I think history shows that.
“We’ve got a good opportunity (this year), we know that. Post that, I’m sure the guys upstairs have got plans of how to do that.”
The 26-year-old centre hasn’t thought about the fact Friday could be his last in Brumbies colours, which he has worn since 2008.
“I think the fact that it’s a final supersedes any of those kind of feelings,” he said.
“It’s more excitement.
“I’m sure I’ll get to reflect later on, as will the other guys, but I’m very much excited just to have the opportunity to play in such a big game.”
ScrumJunkie
Guest
First time I've heard a 40 point drubbing described as a fluke. BRUMBIES to play out of their skin for a famous victory.
pete and paul
Roar Rookie
Nothing that the Brumbies have shown against higher ranked teams other than their fluke at the start of the season should give them any confidence at all - Highlanders will play a game they will not be able to cope with...LANDERS to win
ben
Guest
Quixotic...had to look that one up. Not sure the highlanders are impulsive and unpredictable. Analysis by Ian Jones on tv showed the highlanders kick more than any other team in the comp except the sharks. They generate a lot of monentum by pinning a team back then unleashing off the back of a poor return kick in the zone. If the weather is going to be poor that tactic will work even better. The highlanders 3 loosies are rough tough rugged defensive linemen with 2 of them having a powerful running game. You know they will absorb all the early pressure then strike.
puff
Guest
Matt Toomua could be right, a one of match takes no prisoners, there are no replays, it happens in 80 minutes. The weather may be a factor but with two very different playing styles. The Brumbies can ill afford to lose their structure and the HL need to be cautious within their 5m red zone. The prudent approach is seldom the answer, to quixotic fast and accomplished opponents. The bottom line, will be strategy and preparation.
Jimbo81
Guest
Why doesn't the ARU move the Brumbies to Melbourne, merge the Rebels and the Brumbies? That way, instead of average crowd attendance of 7000 and endless financial losses from the Brumbies, they could win the super comp, playing to packed stadiums of 90,000.
RubberLegs
Guest
They might win if he remembers to ground the ball.
Scrumma
Guest
HIGHLANDERS ?