Australia’s Super Rugby hopes lie solely on the shoulders of the ACT Brumbies this finals series.
The Canberra side were the only national team to qualify for the knockout stage of the season, with an impressive 10-win, 48-point campaign enough to see them top the Australian conference by a comfortable 14 points.
After the bitterly disappointing late-season collapse by Melbourne, all eyes will be on them to do Australia proud in what’s been an otherwise forgettable season.
Are the Brumbies just there to make up the numbers? Or can the capital natives surprise their international foes with a stunning run to the final?
We got Roar rugby expert Brett McKay to preview their quarter-final with the Sharks and see just how far they can go this finals series on the Game of Codes podcast.
Listen to the discussion:
The Brumbies have traditionally been Australia’s most successful Super Rugby side; making six grand finals over the years and lifting the trophy twice – in 2001 and 2004.
Their 2013 grand final loss to the Chiefs was the start of five consecutive finals appearances, although they couldn’t progress past the semi-finals in that time.
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
Kick n Clap
Guest
Another Saffa in denial? The next Dream for them is NOT happening in WA. Nobody is remotely interested in GRR ?
Kick n Clap
Guest
Matt loved your storyline over mongrel in Canberra? I’m afraid you mentioned the wrong team in that statement ? Whitehead & Bateman come from the Country & county of hard knocks that’s how it is Why non of us complain, because we’re born tough as “Teak”. All these guys have played Park football otherwise known as RL in game of Hard knocks? I don’t really call, hiding from Last Ruggar Coach, as a major Rugby Master Class?? God Bless the Viking Clap & The Canberra Raiders? At least that club has had a continued Successful History??
Marlin
Roar Rookie
Good luck, Ponies. I reckon they will win this weekend, then who knows? The Jagulars and Crusaders are going to be very hard to dispatch but bring on some good footy
Noodles
Roar Rookie
Maybe early risers are always grumpy? Of course the Crusaders are fab. And the Canes. But what if the bureaucrats get up!? Man! Anyhow, I dunno about you Dawnguy but I go to the footy to enjoy the game and pretend I once played it fairly well. And I would say that the Brumbies are a team that makes me enjoy watching. They’ve got the feeling of a team that wants to play and they pay attention to what’s there for them. I like the platform the forwards are giving them and if they can take that up a notch they will certainly take out the sharks. I really like the way their centres are finding lines to run and then taking the footy to the next point of attack without trying to make every break a try. I just love the way that young 9, who is not slugger, plays with speed, accuracy and big dose of ticker. In short, the ponies get me going. I even drove 3 hours to watch them KO the lions that night. I might even do that again – and I am a Tahs fan. I also like Cheika by the way. And Robbie Deans. And Larkham.
Olly
Roar Rookie
I would expect a Semi appearance for the Brumbies. From there, it depends on the results. Playing Jaguares over there would be very difficult. Playing the Cheif at home can be a win for the Brumbies but they will have to be at their best. If they do not get through this weekend then that would be disappointing.
Lara
Guest
I am hopeful the Brumbies will win this weekend n if the Chief can win , then the Brumbies have chance for the finals. Home advantage is huge n so is not travelling. The Chief on the other hand have neither in their favour. Things need to fall into place, if the Jags win, still can make the finals, but I don’t like the travelling.
Phil
Guest
Matt,in case you didn't read it,this story is about the Brumbies NOT another grumble about Cheika and the Tahs.How about a few positive comments and getting behind the Brumbies,as I believe they can go all the way to the final,especially if the Chiefs can do the Jags.
Mike
Guest
I think they will be defeated by the sharks.
Matt
Guest
They can go far as they have a smart coaching team strong forward pack with multiple game plans have mongrel are tough and don't have any entitled egomaniacs or multimillionaires going through the motions.The Brumbies halves are a class above the Waratahs pair as they make fewer mistakes and are great game managers. The Brumbies are a team that goes under the radar with little $$$. They are not moddly-coddled like the most underachieving and best resourced team in Australia. The Tahs . But even if they win or come close to winning the title, Chuckles the Clown will stick mostly failed Tahs in his best 23. The Foleys Phipps Beales Simmons Latus etc etc and Tahs that need more game time to be test players.The Gordons Robertsons Hanigans Dempseys. He will give these rookie players( Tahs ) more game time in the RWC 2019. Cheika will not listen. He will do it his way.What are RA going to do if he disregards Snoz and ScoJo advice ? Sack him ? .Pleeeease. He is in a win win situation here.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Don’t know, assuming they account for the Sharks at home, I’d fancy their chances against a the much travelled Chief side if they can get over the Jaguares. Should the Jaguares win their match against the Chiefs, I would fancy their chances at home. If it goes with seeding I doubt that either will topple the Crusaders in Christchurch. I say if it goes with seedings as the match v Highlanders is likely to be brutal then most likely they will need to quell the challenge of the Hurricanes! Definitely the tougher side o the draw imo
WithTheDawn
Roar Rookie
They are the beneficiaries of a very kind draw in a broken finals system, so they could potentially make it all the way to the final. And from there anything is possible. Realistically they should be playing either the Canes or Crusaders next week, followed likely by the other one in the final if they made it. Much harder to win both of those games, but the Horsemen will only need to beat one of them. I know its been said to death, but it really does kill some of the credibility of this comp. As it stands you would probably back them to beat the Sharks, and it will then be a close contest against either the Jaguares or Chiefs. For mine, I think their season ends next week against either team, but crazier things have happened.