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'The fastest man in New Zealand' returns to wreak havoc on old team
By Online Editors
The Brumbies face a monumental task against the Chiefs on Saturday, where they plan to break a Super Rugby hoodoo by unleashing a former star against the competition leaders.
The Australian conference frontrunners are winless in Hamilton since 2007 and haven't posted a Super Rugby victory anywhere in New Zealand since 2014.
Tevita Kuridrani, Scott Sio and Lachy McCaffrey are the only current players to have won across the ditch in Brumbies colours.
In a bid to snap that drought former Chiefs flyer and current Brumbies winger Toni Pulu is expected to make his return from injury off the bench in Hamilton.
Wallabies coach and former Chiefs mentor Dave Rennie once dubbed Pulu the fastest man in New Zealand, but his career has been slowed by injuries.
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The 31-year-old has played just 23 Super Rugby matches in the past five years, but Pulu said he's ready to return against his mates this week.
"I was injured last year so it's going to be quite emotional going back because that's where things started for me," he said.
"I still keep in touch with most of the boys and we share a few laughs, but there's no friends going over there.
"They're a quality side but we've done enough this week to prepare for that."
Pulu said his goals this season are to break back into the Brumbies starting side - he started both finals on the left wing last season - and remain healthy.
"Injuries have been the downfall of my career but hopefully I can stay injury-free this season," Pulu said.
"It's tough with the young guys stepping up this year so if I get my opportunity I really want to take it.
"If I get the chance to put the jersey on this week I'll definitely be putting put my best foot forward."
The Brumbies were expected to name a full-strength side but confirmation on Wednesday that some players and staff had been affected by a mumps outbreak could revise those plans.
- AAP
WATCH: Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger is excited ahead of his side's southern derby with the Crusaders.
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Latest Comments
The Saracens players are the ones who brought this habit into the England team and to be fair they rarely lose, they have a very strong winning culture. It is however very embarrassing when you suck.
Go to commentsYes but it will be very hard game for the ABs, Ireland will want some pay back and they are a fine team who can play the running dynamic game like we do. It was 3 tries all in the QF with some great rugby by both sides. We will probably see a good game and as you say not much in it. I am less worried than normal as I feel like our team is changing for the future at the moment, with the new coach, so we will get better over time. There is a lot of new talent coming through.
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