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It’s time for knockout rugby with no second chances on the line as the ACT Brumbies host the Hurricanes on Saturday night in a Super Rugby Pacific Quarter Final. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm (AEST).
It’s a bit like Groundhog Day with these side facing off for a quarterfinal in Canberra for the second year running and Brumbies fans will be hoping for a similar result.
The Brumbies have shuffled their starting side around and will be without the electric Corey Toole but do welcome back the newly re-signed James Slipper and Lachlan Lonergan in addition to Noah Lolesio on the bench.
Both sides are coming into this match with impressive wins in their last outing, with the Hurricanes come from behind win against the Crusaders giving them plenty of confidence heading to Canberra where they have struggled to win in recent years.
The Brumbies ended a form dip with a win over the Rebels and a return to their counter attacking abilities with two long range tries getting them over the line. They will have worked on their attacking breakdown with the Hurricanes back row trio lead by Ardie Savea ready to pounce on the timing issues the Rebels exposed last week.
The Hurricanes did win the return fixture between these sides in the round robin and the Brumbies can probably expect Dane Coles to put out the bait and see who bites with his carry on, but it will take a disciplined Brumbies side to not fall for his trap.
Jordie Barrett will hope he has packed his kicking boots after low success at GIO Stadium in recent years, including missing a game winning penalty goal attempt in 2021. In the knockout stages with no bonus points on offer, expect the territory kicking battle between Barrett and Jack Debrezceni to be a key factor in who takes the win and move on to the semi finals.
Prediction The Brumbies are the one Aussie side that has any realistic hope of progressing to the semi-finals and I’m hoping they can get the job done, but it will be close.
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Game information Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra Kick-off: 7:35pm (AEST) TV: 9GEM Streaming: Stan Sport Odds: ACT Brumbies $1.95, Hurricanes $1.87 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Brumbies: James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Sefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Nic White (c), Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Jesse Mogg
Hurricanes (1-15): Xavier Numia, Dane Coles, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Caleb Delany, Devan Flanders, Ardie Savea (c), Brayden Iose, Cam Roigard, Brett Cameron, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Daniel Sinkinson, Josh Moorby
