Jake White's knowledge of South African rugby improves Brumbies' semi-final hopes, Joe Roff says

JOE Roff believes Jake White's knowledge of South African rugby  makes the Brumbies' Pretoria assignment much more achievable.

THERE aren't many more hostile environments in world rugby than a packed Loftus Versfeld.

It's a fortress for the Bulls. They've won 22 out of their 24 home games against trans-Tasman teams over the last five years.

But former Brumbies star Joe Roff believes Jake White's knowledge of the conditions makes the task of winning their Super Rugby finals match in Pretoria that much more achievable.

"He's prepared many teams up there on the highveld and he knows this Brumbies team intimately," Roff said.

"It's definitely one of the great cauldrons of world rugby. The conditions are very different, but in saying that it's a final and I think in a final anything can happen and it will be conducive conditions for a win either way.

"Jake White knows how to coach against South African teams particularly, we've seen that, so the game plan I think will be a strong one.

"I'm excited to see how he and the team are going to approach the weekend."

Jake White

The South African World Cup-winning coach has led the Brumbies to their first finals appearance in nine years and Roff has been impressed with the impact he's had.

But preparing his team to face the Bulls will be one of White's biggest challenges yet.

"The travel and the fact that it's on the highveld (1214m altitude) are both taxing elements in terms of preparation, so it will be a very light week very much focused on getting right mentally," Roff said.

"They've done all the physical work and so I think it will be all about focusing mentally on what they need to do out there. It's one of the best places to play, but one of the most challenging places.

ODDS AGAINST UNDERDOG BRUMBIES

"As a former player I've been very proud of the way that they've come together. It's not a team full of big names and I think they've gelled very well.

"It's a small and strong community in Canberra and you see them out in the community and they've held themselves very well as a mature, talented young group of guys."

The Brumbies only just managed to get past the Cheetahs in Canberra on Sunday, but Roff says winning "ugly" shows character.

They've got enough experience to win at Loftus, as long they embrace the occasion.

"I think they play their best rugby when they're enjoying themselves," Roff said.

"It's the first time in (nine) years that the Brumbies have been in a final and those are special moments in time.

You can't afford not to enjoy it and I think it will reflect on the way they play if they can.

"It's down to finals time. You'll see there'll be upsets somewhere and I think the Brumbies won't go in as favourites, but they are the sort of team that can create history - as they did when they played against the Lions.

"They've got that in them and I think they can win."