1
Brumbies must go globe-trotting if they're searching for Super Rugby glory
By Online Editors
The Brumbies could face one of the most gruelling travel schedules in world sport to end a 15-year Super Rugby title drought, but Wallabies fullback Tom Banks says they can do it.
The Brumbies host the Sharks in a quarterfinal on Saturday and if the seeds hold they'll travel to Argentina the next day for a chance to play in the July 6 final.
It would mark the Canberra club's second trip to Buenos Aires in two months after they narrowly lost to the Jaguares in round 11.
But if the second-placed Jaguares lose to the Chiefs on Saturday (AEST), and the third-placed Brumbies win their ninth game in 10 starts, then Canberra will host a semi-final.
"That’s why it’s so big trying to finish on top of the ladder," Banks said.
"It is tough trying to travel around the world and that’s why you’ve got to get your preparation really down pat and we’ve tried to do that really well this year.
"Definitely we can win it all. A good performance this weekend and the boys will be humming.
"The (Argentina trip) is in the back of your mind but you’ve got to win this game first. That travel is not easy but you always know it’s going to be there."
The Brumbies have a favourable finals run, opposition-wise, after the draw was split instead of being seed-dictated due to expensive pre-booked travel costs covered by the governing body SANZAAR.
Super Rugby's flawed ladder, thanks to the conference system, means the Brumbies will avoid the two best-performing teams this season, the Crusaders and Hurricanes, until the final.
The Brumbies could even host the final against the Bulls, Highlanders or Hurricanes, despite the latter winning two more games in 2019.
But first they must get past the Sharks, the only South African team the Brumbies haven't played this season, and Banks is feeling confident.
"Winning eight of our past nine, we’ve built good momentum at the right end of the season and we just need to brings that into finals," Banks said.
"We’ll know what they bring, we’ve been able to review enough games. The game will be won up front, so our forwards have a big task this week.
"They've also got some speed out wide and electric feet, so we’ve got to be really wary of that but we have to shut down their big ball carriers first and stop their go forward.
"We’ve been trying to attack where the space is this season, whether that be through the forwards or the backs, and it’s something we’ve done really well.
"That (finals) intensity is when you have that realisation if you lose you go home so everyone puts everything out there. You can't afford to have lulls."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Borthwick, it's time to own up – Andy Goode
5
Latest Comments
Excellent points Mz. Because of other commitments I have just watched the game.
Interesting watching it after reading all the news reports especially in the English media. I was expecting to see a game that the ABs were very lucky to win. What I saw was a game that England showed their tactical incompetence and their inability to construct any try scoring opportunities.
They can go on deluding themselves that they were unlucky to lose ( as Borthwick said post match ) but until they stop relying on rush defence and goal kicking to win I feel they're doomed to be ranked 4 or 5 in the world.
Can't wait until the weekend to see how the Wallabies go against them
Though I dare say Walter will be hoping for an England win.
Go to commentsIF SA and NZ win then its 1,2,3 SA/NZ/IRL Otherwise as you were. This is largely irrelevant beyond bragging rights.
As I have pointed out elsewhere the practical use of the Rankings is to determine the seedings bands for the RWC draw. The draw takes place early 2026 and hopefully the rankings will be taken from then.
Important to be in the top 6, the top 12. (and likely the top 4).
This is because there are now 6 groups in the RWC 2027.
If you are in top 6 you are in Seeding Band 1. That means none of the other top 6 will be in your group.
Seeding Band 2 are teams from 7-12, who will have a top 6 team but no other 7-12 team.
After England's defeat by NZ there is clear water between NZ in 3rd, France in 4th and England in 5th. England are desperate for top4, ill come back and explain why later.
Lets look at Seeding Band 1 and 6th place. If you make 6th, no top 6 team is in your group, you are top dog. If you win your group, you won't be facing a top 6 team in your 1/8th final, you will be facing a weaker team. If you fail to make 6th place you WILL have a top 6 team in your group and if you don't win your group you WILL (probably) meet a top 6 in the 1/8 final. That's massive.
Its Argentina holding 6th now. Assuming England hold 5th, then its a 4 horse race for 6th. Argentina, Scotland, Italy and ...Australia. (ranked 6,7,8,9)
Australia play the Lions in NH summer 2025 they are running out of time to get up to 6th for their own RWC. They MUST make a move now. They must beat Wales and they really must beat Scotland to gain points and take points off them. Could they surprise England or Ireland? England may be the better bet but Schmidt knows Ireland so well having masterminded their downfall in France.
Another one to watch is Italy V Argentina. Italy are ambitious and they will want to start pushing the likes of Argentina. If they win this they are still in the hunt. Well worth a watch either way.
Top4: I think the top 6 will be seeded, all the way through from the draw. If thats the case then the top 4 will be seeded to avoid each other until the semi. Good for more certainty around ticket sales etc. That's a possible reason why England want in there. You're not in there you are hitting a top 4 team in a QF. That's an extra 50:50 match you can do without and avoid by being top 4.
Lets look at what Seeding bands might look like with todays rankings:
Seeding Band 1
IRE/SA/NZ/FRA/ENG/ARG
Seeding Band 2
SCO/ITA/AUS/FIJ/WAL/GEO
Sample Aussie strongest pool opponent and 1/8th final opponent if in top 6
Strongest pool opponent: FIJI
1/8 final opponent GEORGIA
Prognosis: advance to 1/4 and potentially beyond
Sample Aussie strongest pool opponent and 1/8th final opponent if NOT in top 6
Strongest pool opponent: SOUTH AFRICA
1/8 final opponent NEW ZEALAND
Prognosis: You know the prognosis
I am pretty sure this is not lost on Joe Schmidt?
Keep in mind when enjoying the matches.
Go to comments