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Brumbies v Hurricanes: The Hard Numbers
By Sam Smith
This fixture is typically a high scoring affair with the Brumbies largest ever winning and losing margins coming against the Hurricanes. Due to the quirks of the conference system the Brumbies host this quarter final having won half (6) as many games as their opponents (12) this season.
The Brumbies have an overall winning record against the Hurricanes but the defending champions have been better in recent seasons with the exception of Fat-Gate in round one last year.
Here's some notable numbers to consider ahead of kickoff on Friday.
- The Brumbies have won five of their last seven games against the Hurricanes (L2), although their two defeats in that run came in their last three meetings; they also conceded their equal most ever points against the Wellington side in their most recent clash (56).
- This will be the third Finals meeting between these teams, with the spoils currently split at one win apiece; the Brumbies earning a 33-20 semi-final win in 1997 before succumbing to the Hurricanes 29-9 in the 2015 semi-finals
- The Brumbies had won six Finals games in a row on home soil before losing 15-9 against the Highlanders in 2016.
- The Hurricanes (14.5) have made the most clean breaks per game of any team so far this season, while the Brumbies (6.1) have conceded the fewest per game.
- The Hurricanes boast the two top try scorers in Super Rugby this season in Vince Aso and Ngani Laumape (14 tries each), while no player has assisted more tries than half back duo, Beauden Barrett (13) and TJ Perenara (11).
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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