Waratahs, Brumbies Super Rugby final to smash records, earn code huge cash windfall

​RECORDS will tumble. Money would flow through the doors. It’s the far-fetched possibility that has Australian rugby union rubbing its hands together.

Brumbies vs Waratahs

​THE Waratahs are on track for a lucrative 30,000-plus crowd at Allianz Stadium for their semi-final against the Highlanders on Saturday night but a record-breaking blockbuster could await​ at​ ANZ Stadium ​a week later ​if ​wins by both NSW and the Brumbies set up an all-Australian final.

​Should the Brumbies buck the odds and beat the Hurricanes and the Waratahs deliver on their favouritism and see of the Highlanders, early modelling has forecast the first ever Super Rugby decider between Australian sides could attract a crowd as big as 70,000 at Homebush.

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This would break the crowd figure of 61,823 for last year’s final between the Waratahs and the Crusaders, which holds the record for the largest ever Super Rugby crowd.

Like last year the Tahs’ bank balance would majorly benefit, too, with a ​hosting ​windfall of over a million dollars​​.

​The money is sorely needed; CEO Greg Harris recently conced​ed​ to the Daily Telegraph that the club was headed for a financial loss if it didn’t host a final or two.

The all-Australian final might be a very long shot but the possibility of such a game at least has rugby bosses — and players — loving the idea.

“You have a joke about it, it would be an amazing final,” Waratahs flanker Michael Hooper said.

“But any final to be in would be amazing and we have a big job to beat the Highlanders in the semi.”

Michael Hooper and David Pocock. Picture: Kym Smith

There will be no looking past the sizeable task of countering the white-hot form of the Otago men for the Tahs.

NSW are coming off a week off, courtesy of their second placed finish, and they’re not traditionally strong after 14 days without a game.

They beat the Reds after their first bye this year, and lost to the Stormers following the second bye.

But Hooper said the week’s rest had served the squad well.

“I’m really looking forward to this weekend and that week (off) has done a lot for us, my body included,” Hooper said.

“I think for the guys the mental refresh and for the bodies to recharge is really​ ​good.”

Hooper said the Highlanders are a formidable opponent.

“They are a really good team,” he said.

“We played them earlier in the year and they got the win. We started off strong but they came back well. Throughout the year they have been reallyb consistent, with good performance across the field, they have a great running game. It’s going to be exciting.”

Originally published as Waratahs, Brumbies Super Rugby final to smash records, earn code huge cash windfall