The Hurricanes have qualified for the Super Rugby semi-finals, taking a 19-point victory over the Brumbies.
Final score
Brumbies 16
Hurricanes 35
Despite hosting the quarter-final in Canberra, the Brumbies go into their clash with the Hurricanes as rank outsiders. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage, starting from 7:35pm (AEST).
In what has collectively been the worst season by Australian Super Rugby teams, the Brumbies face an uphill battle. So far in 2017, Australian teams have failed in every encounter against New Zealand sides ‒ the ledger sits alarmingly at zero from 25 attempts.
It would take a perfect storm (and a whole lot of luck) for the Brumbies to trouble the Hurricanes, who knocked off the erstwhile undefeated Crusaders last week.
The good news for Brumbies fans is that Christian Lealiifano makes his long awaited return via the bench. Whether or not the move is borne out of desperation, it’s sure to give supporters and teammates a lift.
There are big changes to the starting 15 too, with ten alterations from the last round. No doubt it’s a welcome sight for Canberrans to see Chris Alcock, Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Joe Powell, and captain Sam Carter restored to the starting line-up.
Last time these sides met, the Brumbies were on the end of a 56-21 thumping in Wellington.
“We were up 21-14 at halftime and we were playing some really good footy,” said Carter this week. “But we didn’t play at the right end of the field and gave them too many opportunities.
“We’ve got to play smart football and play to our strength ‒ which is the set piece and being smart around the breakdown.”
For the visitors, Beauden Barrett is back at ten after overcoming the sinus infection that ruled him out last week. Kicking duties will stay with his brother Jordie, however who retains the No.13 jersey in place of the injured Vince Aso.
The younger Barrett was on fire with the boot against the Crusaders and coach Chris Boyd would be a brave man to mess with that kind of form.
Prediction
Despite a strengthened Brumbies squad with home ground advantage, the Hurricanes are too strong to go down here. You can bet the locals will be up for the fight, but good luck trying to contain a backline of the Barrett’s, Savea, Laumape, and Milner-Skudder for 80 minutes.
Hurricanes by 15.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the Super Rugby quarter-final, starting from 7:35pm (AEST).
hopalongjoe
Guest
the brumbies chances nosedived the moment Bernie substituted cubelli for powell. Powell was reading the game beautifully, setting up the backline brilliantly (the Canes were definitely on the back foot) and needed to be left on the park for the 2nd half, Arnold also needed to play the full 80, or as close to as he could as he was being so effective. Subbing these two dramatically changed the fortunes of the Brums. Thus we're now out of it thanks to coach error, and it's not the first time his judgement has proved costly. ACT could've made the final, and who knows what then?
Machpants
Roar Guru
Canes are going to S.A. or home to welly. Either way waiting in Sydney for the result is best for flights.
Jono
Guest
Will be the lions toughest game of the year next week. I hope they're up to it, we know what happened last time.
Uncle Eric
Guest
Not much Toomaga-Allen could do and shouldn't have been a yellow card. I got the impression the TMO talked Jackson into it somewhat. But a little later Fardy does the same thing to a Hurricanes player falling into the talk, shoulder right on the scone, but ignored (missed) by all the officials. Once again, no consistency applied to what is in effect, a stupid law.
ThugbyFan
Guest
Many thanks for the blog Charlie. Mucho appreciated for the fine work. This weekend two of the missing AB guns are returning, D.Coles here and R.Crotty for the Crusaders. Does not augur well for the WB. :(
Ted
Guest
Where was the home town crowd... looks like only 10% full...
Faith
Guest
No Aussie side has been able to itch up for 80 minutes against an NZ side - that has been part of the problem. If Tahs could play for 80 rather 20 minutes they'd be world beaters ...
ThugbyFan
Guest
Canes control in the 2nd half was fantastic, while at the same time the Brumbies died and started to panic under the never-ending pressure. I think that's twice this year that the Brumbies have matched the Hurricanes in the 1st half and failed to score a point in the 2nd. One (of many) reasons is fitness levels. I'm not privy to the fitness regimes of each SR club but Kiwi sides have it all over their Aussie counterparts. As a prime example, look at Sam Lousi (Canes) who left NSW Tahs after a couple of SR seasons as a slug reserve for W.Skelton. I remember him mainly for the last 20 minutes of many Tahs games, trotting around the field, lots of ruck watching, a couple tackles and runs. Was never really considered as a starter as obvious fitness levels and perhaps attitude. He was tall and held his own in the lineouts so was useful there. He goes to the Canes at the end of 2015 and tonight he played the whole 80 minutes, a ruck pest who played a pretty good match. A similar story with M.Alaalatoa (Crusaders) although he is mainly a reserve to an AB front row. So what's happened, is it more intense and guided coaching, fitness training, personal man management or most likely a combination? Whatever it is, some of the Aussie sides need to take a bit of notice. On a related point I hear the ARU has submitted a Law change proposal to World Rugby, all games for just 60 minutes. :)
Oscar Redding
Roar Rookie
Brumbies deserved the first half and could have had more but seemed caught up in the emotion of Lilio's come back and didn't really fire a shot in the second half.
Stu B
Guest
Should we not wait for the SA result before we put the hurricanes on the plane,just asking?
Charlie Lawry
Roar Guru
He's really impressed me this year, as a player, but also particularly well spoken after each game.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Yep they are in with a chance.... but huge task to take on Aker's men at Ellis.... Canes also had a hard game last week against the Saders
Drongo
Guest
Missed the second half but Canes obviously far too good.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Congratulations Diggercane, and all Hurricane supporters ... you guys are in with a chance to go back to back but not easy..... Commiserations Brumbies supporters ... brave performance and not disgraced ... played with heart for Lilo ... defence never gave up but pressure eventually was too much...
Charlie Lawry
Roar Guru
Thanks mate, appreciate it
Charlie Lawry
Roar Guru
Thanks for your company on the blog tonight. Congratulations to Hurricanes fans. They've been a cut above all season. Commiserations to the Brumbies, but they gave it a red hot go, particularly in the first half. Match summary up shortly.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Thanks Charlie... great blog ..
Charlie Lawry
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME The Brumbies were quick out of the gate with tries to Dargaville and Mann-Rea, but just couldn't hang in when the Hurricanes turned the screws in the second half. The Canes struck through Goosen (2), Jordie Barrett, and Perenara. Congratulations to the Wellington boys who go again next week. Lovely touch from TJ Perenara in the post-game interview who gives a sincere shoutout to Lealiifano for his comeback to the game. Brumbies 16 - 35 Hurricanes
Harry Jones
Expert
Ultra-committed effort by the Brumbies. Good playoff match. Canes will have to step up substantially in energy and accuracy in Joburg or it'll get ugly for them. Nice start to the finals this year.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Too much possession for the Canes in that second half. Told in the end. Deserved win. 0-26 for the year for Oz v NZ! And we wonder why the Wallabies aren't in the same stratosphere as the ABs.....