Brumbies brace for Blues challenge

A rivalry which has yielded some fantastic Super Rugby memories is again on display on Saturday as the log-leading Blues travel to the GIO Stadium to face the Brumbies. 

With the play-offs in sight, the Brumbies currently occupy third spot on the leader board, still some 7 points behind the Blues and 5 behind the second-placed Crusaders. The men from Canberra do enjoy a decent, 7-point lead over the Chiefs, but the desire of securing a home semi-final will no doubt be the main motivation that spurs them on against the old foes on Saturday. 

Last week, Dan McKellar’s men were on the receiving end of the might of the Crusaders: 

"There was a lot to take out of it, in terms of belief and confidence," Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar said of the Crusaders game, noting the fact that his troops managed to claw back after being 23-5 down. 

"We reviewed the Crusaders game thoroughly, and while we were disappointed with our error count, there were plenty of positives out of that game," he said. 

We've got to be in the right place mentally to deliver what you need to deliver physically and, obviously, in these games you've got to be brutal and physical." 

The Blues, on the other hand, looked dangerous and full of rugby as they trounced the Reds 53-26 at Eden Park: 

Blues boss Leon MacDonald says his troops are ready for a good scrap. 

 “We have been taking things one game at a time and not getting ahead of ourselves. This is one of the absolute key tests for us this season and we are ready for a real dog-fight,” he said. 

“The Brumbies have only lost twice all year and with one of those last weekend, we know they will come with all they have on Saturday. 

“We are absolutely looking forward to the confrontation. They have strength across the park and we will need to match them. The team have prepared well and now have to execute both individually and as a team, and show real discipline because the Brumbies will take full toll if they can earn opportunity in our territory.”