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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.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.