The Brumbies will be the first Australian Super Rugby team to play in the new Super Rugby format when they host last year’s Super Rugby finalists the Hurricanes.
When these teams met last the Hurricanes thumped the Brumbies 29-9 in the Wellington Semi-final which will mean the Brumbies will be up for revenge for ending their Super Rugby campaign.
The Hurricanes went on to host the Super Rugby final and were beaten by the Highlanders. This year they will attempt to “go one better” but they will have to do it without Ben Franks, Jeremy Thrush, Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith so it will not be easy.
The Brumbies will go through a similar process next year as a number of their stalwarts such as Stephen Moore, Matt Toomua and possibly David Pocock will leave Canberra at the end of the season so this will be their last chance to do it together as the Brumbies.
Given the Hurricanes retirements it will take time for the new midfield to become as familiar as Matt Toomua and Tevita Kuridrani are in the Brumbies back line.
Last week the Hurricanes hit their high in the pre-season as they beat the Crusaders 74-7 but pre-season can is almost impossible to read as two weeks earlier they were beaten by the Blues.
Overall the Brumbies have won 57% of their matches against the Hurricanes regardless of the venue but in Canberra they have won 64% of their matches against the Wellington side.
Stephen Moore will win his 150th Super Rugby cap which could give the etam something extra to play for.
This Match will be shown on TV in NZ, Aus, SA and in the UK on Sky Sports 2/HD.
Average score: Brumbies 26 Hurricanes 27
Last five results at this venue
31 May 2013 Brumbies v Hurricanes 30-23 Canberra
09 Apr 2011 Brumbies v Hurricanes 17-16 Canberra
16 Apr 2010 Brumbies v Hurricanes 13-23 Canberra
14 Mar 2008 Brumbies v Hurricanes 15-33 Canberra
22 Apr 2006 Brumbies v Hurricanes 21-16 Canberra
Brumbies record against Hurricanes in Canberra
Played 11 , Wins 7 , Losses 4, Draws 0
Last five results all venues
27 Jun 2015 (Semi) Brumbies v Hurricanes 9-29 Wellington
07 Mar 2014 Brumbies v Hurricanes 29-21 Wellington
31 May 2013 Brumbies v Hurricanes 30-23 Canberra
18 May 2012 Brumbies v Hurricanes 37-25 Wellington
09 Apr 2011 Brumbies v Hurricanes 17-16 Canberra
Brumbies overall record against the Hurricanes
Played 21 , Wins 12 , Losses 9, Draws 0
Match No.2:Brumbies v Hurricanes
Date : Friday 26 February 2016
Venue : GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick Off local: 19:45 local
Referee: Andrew Lees
Assistant Ref 1:Rohan Hoffmann
Assistant Ref 2:Michael Hogan
TMO :Damien Mitchelmore
Teams
Brumbies
Allan Alaalatoa , Stephen Moore (c) , Ben Alexander , Rory Arnold , Sam Carter , Scott Fardy , David Pocock , Ita Vaea , Tomás Cubelli , Christian Lealiifano , Joe Tomane , Matt Toomua , Tevita Kuridrani , Henry Speight , Aidan Toua
Replacements : Josh Mann-Rea , Scott Sio , Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin , Jordan Smiler , Jarrad Butler , Michael Dowsett , Andrew Smith , Nigel Ah Wong
Hurricanes
15. Nehe Milner-Skudder, 14. Cory Jane, 13. Vince Aso, 12. Ngani Laumape, 11. Julian Savea, 10. Beauden Barrett, 9. TJ Perenara, 8. Victor Vito, 7. Ardie Savea, 6. Brad Shields, 5. Mark Abbott, 4. Blade Thomson, 3. Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 2. Dane Coles (c), 1. Reggie Goodes.
Replacements : Leni Apisai, Chris Eves, Loni Uhila, Vaea Fifita, Callum Gibbins, Jamison Gibson-Park, Otere Black, Willis Halaholo.
