Legendary Wallabies player Mat Rogers is predicting that the ACT Brumbies will carve their names in the history books by defeating the Chiefs in Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific semi-final set to take place in Hamilton.
With Australian teams currently holding a 0-20 record in finals, the Chiefs, who finished the regular season as minor premiers, are heavily favoured by bookmakers to keep that streak intact.
The Chiefs have faced heartbreak in the last two grand finals, finishing as runners-up against the Blues in Auckland in 2024 and the Crusaders in Hamilton in 2023.
The Chiefs appear dejected following their loss in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific grand final. Getty
As the Chiefs prepare to farewell coach Clayton McMillan to Ireland, Rogers feels they might become anxious if the Brumbies apply significant pressure.
“This is a Chiefs squad that just a couple of years ago were minor premiers and ended up losing in the final,” Rogers stated on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven.
“They don’t inherently deserve this situation. This is a team that, if put under pressure, could falter.
“We witnessed that a couple of years back when they were undoubtedly the strongest team in the competition and still failed to claim the title. If the Brumbies can exert that kind of pressure and secure a win, we might just see a Brumbies-Blues final back in Canberra.”
The Brumbies clinched their spot by defeating the Hurricanes in their qualifying match last weekend, while the Chiefs fell short against the Blues in Hamilton but advanced due to their top seeding from the regular season.
Brumbies lock Nick Frost mentioned that assistant coach Ben Mowen is drawing inspiration from the club’s illustrious history to motivate the squad.
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Mowen was the Brumbies captain when they achieved a remarkable upset against the Bulls in Pretoria during the 2013 semi-finals.
“No team had won (a final) in South Africa, and the Brumbies were the first Australian side to win a playoff match there,” Frost said.
“He (Mowen) challenged the team, asking why it couldn’t be us? Someone is going to break that record one day.”
Jake White and Ben Mowen of the Brumbies in 2013 in Pretoria. Getty
Frost struggled to make sense of the poor record of Australian teams playing in New Zealand, noting, “It’s not an extensive journey.”
“In terms of training, you can feel a bit off. While some might view it as hostile, you could also see it as a vibrant atmosphere where the crowd is cheering, and you could feel that support.
“Everything else is generally handled well. There are no unnecessary issues with accommodation or transport. Much of the challenge is mental; one might think, ‘We haven’t won here for ages,’ or ‘We often don’t perform well.’ But why not turn that around?”
The Brumbies have announced the same 23-man squad for the match, whereas the Chiefs are set to welcome back All Blacks Luke Jacobson and Quinn Tupaea from injury.
All Blacks legend Kieran Read predicts a closely contested match but believes the Kiwis will come out on top once again.
“No international team has travelled to New Zealand and emerged victorious in a semi-final – this includes South African and Australian sides,” Read stated.
“This presents a significant challenge for the Brumbies, but out of the Australian teams, they have real strength.
“Their forward pack possesses scoring prowess, and hooker Billy Pollard is among the top try-scorers in the league.
“While they have exciting backs and can hold their own against the Chiefs in the forwards, they are going to face a tough challenge, in my opinion.”
Semi-final 2: Chiefs vs ACT Brumbies
Saturday June 14: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (5.05pm AEST)
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kalyum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jordan Way
TMO: Brett Cronan
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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