Flanker Jarrad Butler says three losses in four games is not ‘dire straits’ for Brumbies

AUSTRALIAN conference leaders the Brumbies say they are not panicking after losing three of their past four games and having the Waratahs breathing down their neck.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 18: David Pocock of the Brumbies appeals to the referee during the round 10 Super Rugby match between the Brumbies and the Rebels at GIO Stadium on April 18, 2015 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Postles/Getty Images)

THE Brumbies say they are not panicking after losing three of their past four games, with a crucial fortnight looming that could see them lose or consolidate top spot in the Australian conference.

NSW is now just three competition points behind their Canberra rivals with a game in hand, and will face the Brumbies on Friday week, after the Brumbies host the Highlanders this Saturday.

Brumbies flanker Jarrad Butler said last weekend’s shock defeat to Melbourne Rebels has not dented the confidence in their title aspirations.

“[We’re] definitely not panicked, that’s why what we’re doing now is so important, just refocusing,” Butler said.

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“It’s not dire straits yet, we just have to keep playing our game and focusing on our process and what works for the Brumbies.

“I know if we do that then we’ll start getting the results.”

The Brumbies took a runaway lead in the Australian conference after a strong start to the 2015 season, but their recent run of losses and NSW’s ability to win big games in that same period has closed the gap.

Key injuries have also hit the Brumbies squad, although Butler said his team is not wavering amid this difficult period.

“We still know we’ve got such a good group of players and staff, and there is definitely still that belief on the field, in the dressing rooms,” Butler said.

“It’s just about taking forward now.”

Originally published as Flanker Jarrad Butler says three losses in four games is not ‘dire straits’ for Brumbies