Waratahs looking to exact revenge on Brumbies and take another step towards top-two finish

IT was the miserable March night that left the Waratahs with tails between their legs and a burning desire for revenge against the Brumbies.

Prop Benn Robinson passes during Waratahs training at Kippax Oval,Moore Park.Picture Gregg Porteous

IT was the miserable March night in Canberra that left the Waratahs with tails between their legs and a burning desire for revenge this weekend against bitter rivals the Brumbies.

NSW prop Benn Robinson has revealed that the side will be looking for retribution after their round five 28-23 loss to the ACT with a victory on Saturday that would put an end to the Brumbies’ hopes of a home final.

“They beat us last time we played them down there, convincingly,” Robinson said.

“We weren’t in the game, so for us to play them and beat them is going to be huge for us.

“As a competitive person you always want to do well. If someone beats you beforehand you want to beat them back.

“That’s a big one for us.”

While there was only five points between the teams at full-time, the gulf in class was striking as the Brumbies monstered NSW to take a 25-9 lead before conceding two late tries.

If the Tahs win this Saturday’s match at ANZ Stadium, they would virtually seal the Australian conference and in the process deny the Brumbies a chance to finish in the top two, which means they could not host a semi-final or final.

After losing last year’s grand final to the Chiefs in Hamilton, having beaten the Bulls in Pretoria the previous week, the Brumbies have spoken this year about the importance of trying to host a final and eliminating the torturous travel schedule that could include a return trip to South Africa.

But with a game in hand over NSW and three points behind them on the table, the Brumbies face a must-win situation if they hope to finish in the top two.

With the Tahs looking ominous, having won four in a row before the June Test break, and also seeking revenge, it will be an uphill battle for the Canberra franchise who are reeling from a string of injuries.

Hooker Stephen Moore is out for the year, lock Sam Carter won’t be available this week, while fellow Wallabies Matt Toomua and Pat McCabe are also in doubt.

With reserve hooker Josh Mann-Rea also battling an injury, the Brumbies may be forced to call upon Warringah’s Luke Holmes, rookie Mitchell Wade, or even prop Ruadhri Murphy, who was spotted throwing lineouts at training.

It is in stark contrast to the Waratahs, whose only regular players unavailable for selection this week will be wingers Peter Betham and Matt Carraro.

And all of their big guns played brilliantly for Australia in last Saturday’s 39-13 demolition of France, which star fullback Israel Folau says will add great confidence this week.

“It’s a massive thing, if you’re playing well at Wallabies level and you come back to the Waratahs it certainly helps you a lot,” said Folau, who along with Wycliff Palu, Sekope Kepu, Will Skelton, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Bernard Foley were key contributors to the Wallabies’ 3-0 series victory over Les Bleus.

“Guys like Cliffy and Keps have been leading the way. I think those guys will take that straight into Saturday’s game,” Folau added.

Robinson overtakes Al Baxter as the second-most capped Waratah in history this weekend, only behind Phil Waugh

Originally published as Waratahs looking to exact revenge on Brumbies and take another step towards top-two finish