Super Rugby: Clash between Waratahs and Brumbies also a World Cup audition

WALLABIES legend Simon Poidevin says the clash between the Waratahs and Brumbies on Sunday will double up as a selection trial for Australia’s World Cup squad.

members of the Waratahs Back line L to R: Taqele Naiyaravoro, Matt Carraro, Israel Folau and Kurtley Beale, ahead of their game against the Brumbies. Picture: John Appleyard

IT is Australia’s biggest Super Rugby grudge match, but Wallabies legend Simon Poidevin says the clash between the Waratahs and Brumbies on Sunday will double up as a selection trial for Australia’s World Cup squad.

Both sides have deflected talk that the clash at Allianz Stadium this afternoon will have meaning beyond the club competition, but Poidevin says both Wallabies-stacked sides have far more to play for than just competition points.

“Games like this are made for World Cup selection, because they’re high pressure games, two leading teams who play a high-velocity game,” Poidevin said.

“If you want a World Cup trial five months out, this is it.”

The World Cup selection angle is certainly given context by the fact the Wallabies’ head coach Michael Cheika and attack coach Stephen Larkham are in charge of NSW and the Brumbies respectively.

In previous years, NSW versus Queensland was the major Australian Super Rugby match, but the Brumbies’ resurgence in the past three years has changed that.

“This is the big clash now,” Poidevin said. “There will be a big crowd out there, it’s hugely important for the Waratahs, and the Brumbies have been hugely impressive this year with the style of game they’re playing but also the professionalism through the whole bench and back, they’ve got great depth.”

Originally published as Super Rugby: Clash between Waratahs and Brumbies also a World Cup audition