The Brumbies and the Rebels have only played each other twice in Super Rugby and both teams have won one Super Rugby match each.

The Brumbies were beaten 20-13 by the Reds at Suncorp last weekend but they retained the top spot in the Australian Conference.

The Reds are now just two points behind them and as they will get four points this weekend for the bye a Brumbies loss this weekend will put the Reds on top of the Australian Conference. Victory for the Brumbies this weekend is therefore crucial.

The Rebels had a much better weekend last week as they beat the Blues 34-23 and a bonus point victory over the Brumbies would see them draw level with the men from Canberra.

As the Brumbies and Rebels have only played each other twice it's difficult to find a trend in the stats. On average the teams score Brumbies 28 and the Rebels score 21.

Against all Australian Super Rugby opposition teams the home side on average scores 31 points and the Rebels score 16 points and they have played 11 away and lost 8.

The last time the Rebels went to Canberra the Brumbies scored 32 points and the Rebels scored 17 points which is very much in line with their overall averages.

The Rebels have tinkered a little with the forwards and for the first time they have named an unchanged back line.

In contrast the Brumbies have made six changes or put another way - more than a third of the team.

Most of the changes have been to beef up the pack but there is the concern that they may have taken the Rebels a little lightly by naming a couple of debutants in crucial positions such as Tevita Kuridrani going up against James O'Connor.

The Bookies have given the Rebels a 5 point start for this match - with an offer of Bet 5 and Get 50 in Bets. We think it might be a little closer for the Brumbies. They should sneak it. Brumbies to win by 3.

This match will be shown on TV in NZ, Aus, SA and in UK on Sky Sports HD1.

Average score: Brumbies 28 Rebels 21

Last two results
10 Jun 2011 Brumbies v Rebels 32-17 Canberra
25 Feb 2011 Brumbies v Rebels 24-25 Melbourne

Brumbies overall record against the Rebels
Played 2 , Wins 1, Losses 1, Draws

Match No .52: Brumbies v Rebels
Date .Saturday 14 April
Venue : Canberra
Kick Off local: 19:40
Referee: Craig Joubert
Assistant Ref 1:James Leckie
Assistant Ref 2:Damien Mitchelmore
TMO:Steve Leszczynski

Teams

Brumbies

1. Ruaidhri Murphy,2. Stephen Moore,3. Dan Palmer,4. Scott Fardy,5. Sam Carter,6. Ben Mowen,7. Michael Hooper,8. Fotu Auelua,9. Nic White,10. Christian Lealiifano,11. Joe Tomane,12. Pat McCabe,13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Henry Speight,15. Jesse Mogg

Replacements:16. Anthony Hegartym,17. Ben Alexander,18. Peter Kimlin,19. Ita Vaea,20. Ian Prior,21. Robbie Coleman,22. Andrew Smith

Rebels

1. Nic Henderson, 2. Ged Robinson, 3. Rodney Blake, 4. Al Campbell, 5. Hugh Pyle (vc), 6. Luke Jones, 7. Jarrod Saffy, 8. Gareth Delve (c), 9. Nick Phipps, 10. Danny Cipriani, 11. Mark Gerrard, 12. James O'Connor, 13. Mitch Inman, 14. Lachlan Mitchell, 15. Kurtley Beale.

Replacements: 16. Luke Holmes, 17. Eddie Aholelei, 18. Michael Lipman, 19. Tim Davidson, 20. Richard Kingi, 21. Julian Huxley, 22. Lloyd Johansson.