Photo: LIAM SWIGGS
Brumbies v Hurricanes
Kick-off: 9:35pm Saturday 7 June
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
The big chat about this game this week is whether it actually means anything, given that if the Chiefs and Crusaders win their games, both of these teams go through next week regardless of the result. So really, the Brumbies and Canes are fighting over a trip to Hamilton or Christchurch.
Much has also been made of the Hurricanes' form lately, they come in having won five in a row and a massive victory last weekend over Moana Pasifika. The Brumbies had a controversial loss to the Crusaders last weekend, however, hold a significant home ground advantage in Canberra.
Team lists
Brumbies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Billy Pollard, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Tom Hooper, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Tuaina Taii Tualima, 9. Ryan Lonergan, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Corey Toole, 12. David Feliuai, 13. Len Ikitau, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Tom Wright
Bench: 16. Lachlan Lonergan, 17. Lington Ieli, 18. Feao Fotuaika, 19. Lachlan Shaw, 20. Luke Reimer, 21. Harrison Goddard, 22. Declan Meredith, 23. Ollie Sapsford
Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Jacob Devery, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Zach Gallagher, 5. Caleb Delany, 6. Devan Flanders, 7. Du'Plessis Kirifi, 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Brett Cameron, 11. Fatafehi Fineanganofo, 12. Peter Umaga-Jensen, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Bailyn Sullivan, 15. Ruben Love, 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Tevita Mafileo, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Hugo Plummer, 20. Brad Shields, 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Ngatungane Punivai, 23. Callum Harkin
Brumbies selections
Only the one change for the Brumbies but it's a pretty big addition to the front row, with Allan Alaalatoa coming back in and bringing his vast experience as well.
Hurricanes selections
Jacob Devery of the Hurricanes scores. Photo: Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz
Asafo Aumua is out and replaced by Jacob Devery, a situation that ended up being far more complicated than it should have after the All Black hooker was injured at training this week. Aumua was named in the team despite it being common knowledge that he had to be carted off the field, while the only other change is Caleb Delany starting at lock in place of Hugo Plummer.
Key stats
Cam Roigard of the Hurricanes celebrates a try. Photo: Masanori Udagawa / PHOTOSPORT
The Hurricanes are undefeated in their last six games, despite trailing at half-time in three of those games - after winning only three of their previous nine games in the competition.
The Brumbies have lost three of their last seven Super Rugby Pacific games at GIO Stadium after winning 10 in a row prior to that.
Cam Roigard is on a three-game try scoring streak in Super Rugby Pacific.
The last time they met
Hurricanes 35 - 29 Brumbies
The Canes held on in a tight game just four weeks ago in Canberra, however, the scoreline doesn't reflect the clinical way they closed out the game against a fast-finishing Brumbies side. Despite holding a six-point lead, the Canes kept the ball in the right part of the field and simply tackled their way to a very important win.
What's going to happen
The feeling among long suffering Canes supporters is that the team has officially entered title contender status, which is a long way from where things were halfway through the season. They take a lot of belief and momentum into this one, so expect the ball to be given a lot of air because the Canes have got to this point by freeing the shackles. Expect the Brumbies to do the same, however they will revert to their power game if required.
