Friday 7:35pm at GIO Stadium
Finals footy gets underway in the nation’s capital when the Brumbies host the in-form Hurricanes at GIO stadium.
Selection News
The big news at the selection table is the return of both sides squad captains for the first time this year. It’s a fairytale comeback for Christian Lealiafano with the Brumbies star making his long awaited return from leukemia after 10 months out of the game. He has been named as a utility back on the bench but expect him to come on at flyhalf early into the second half. After resting some of his stars last week, Stephen Larkham welcomes back Josh Mann-Rea , Alan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Sam Carter, Jordan Smiler to the forward pack, as well as Tevita Kurindrani, Tom Banks and Joe Powell to the backline.
Just one change to the side that ended the Crusaders unbeaten run last weekend. It a fairly big addition with reigning world player of the year Beauden Barrett returning to steer the ship from flyhalf. Exciting news for Hurricanes and All Blacks fans is the return of captain Dane Coles on the bench from a long stint out with concussion problems.
Last time they met
Round 9 2017: Hurricanes 56 – 21 Brumbies
Stat that matters
The Brumbies have won 5 of the last 7 meetings between these two sides including a thumping 52-10 victory in their last meeting at GIO stadium.
Key Match-up
Jordie Barrett vs Tevita Kuriadrani
Jordie Barrett has been in irresistible form of late and his move to outside centre seemed to have paid dividends last week with the young gun crossing for his 7th try of the season. He will have his work cut out come Friday night though as he is marking up on the rampaging Tevita Kuridrani.
The form
The Brumbies have the home advantage despite only winning 6 matches this season compared to the Hurricanes 12. The visitors are the form side of the competition after downing the previously unbeaten Crusaders last week by 9 points at the cake tin. The Brumbies were beaten comfortably by the Chiefs in Waikato, albeit they were under strength.
How it’s shaping
The Hurricanes have so many game breakers and excitement machines in their backline its hard to see any team being able to score more points than them. The Barrett brothers, , the Saveas and Milner Skudder will be ready and raring to go in chilly Canberra. If the Brumbies are any chance of knocking them off they will have to expose the Hurricanes at the set piece and make the most of the limited chances that will present themselves. Whilst they are a chance the Wolf can’t see the defending champions being beaten with such a formidable line up.
Final thoughts
Hurricanes by 14…
Recommended bets
Best Bet: Hurricanes -11.5 ($1.90)
Value Bet: 1st tryscorer & winner double – Julain Savea & Hurricanes ($9.00)
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