Progress is slowly happening: What each of our Aussie Super Rugby teams must do to take the next step
There is a lot of hope around the country, but there's so much more work still to be done.
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.”
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.
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