Super Rugby returns to GIO Canberra Stadium this week as The Brumbies take on what on their biggest international rivals, the Auckland Blues. With the match set for a Friday night, a big crowd is expected to take advantage of an exciting start to the weekend.
History
The Brumbies certainly have had their moments against the Auckland blues over the years. While the traditional cross-Tasman rivalry has always added fuel to the fire, surely the goings-on of 2005 established this rivalry though personnel changes and some very big players.
Following the sacking of David Nucifora from The Brumbies (after having won a Super Rugby Championship in 2004), the local lads were looking to build on the success of the year under the new leadership of Laurie Fisher (now co-coach Coach to Stephen Larkham). The Blues were at home (back in the days of a two-year home-and-away rotation), and Nucifora was their assistant coach.
The mood on the paddock was palatable. The Brumbies were out for blood – and looking to avenge being knocked out of the 2004 Semi Final by the Blues and show that the change in coaching staff was justified. The Blues had the benefit of a vocal crowd who followed recent events closely…
Things didn’t go to plan for The Brumbies, and the 2004 Champs were sent back across the ditch following a 17-0 drubbing.
The seeds of tradition had been planted.
This week
These days, The Auckland Blues are struggling to rise up from the middle of the pack – both in the New Zealand conference and the overall standings, but have the luxury of having completed their tour of South Africa with a 1-2 record while being very competitive in the losses. The Brumbies will certainly need to be wary of the visitors come Friday night, especially after The Blues thumped The Highlanders last Saturday.
Grab your tickets!
Don’t miss your chance for a great seat Friday night’s clash where the next chapter of The Brumbies and blues history will be written. Head over to outindeals.com.au where you can grab tickets and a burger for you and a friend from one of 16 venues across Canberra. As always, tickets are selling fast, be sure to get in early to secure your preferred venue.
