Brumbies head west

Although we’ve already sewn up a finals spot, it’s vital for the team to head into the playoffs with momentum.

And nothing will kick start our campaign better than five points on the road against a local rival. 

The Force have some big game players who can really turn it on. A rough count gives them well over 1000 Super Rugby caps for this weekend so they are heavy on for experience when it counts. 

But the most daunting part of the Force’s attack for this weekend is that essentially, they have nothing to lose.

They are out of the finals and won’t be concerned about bonus points so I doubt they’ll be taking many shots at the posts. 

Fortunately for the Brumbies, we’ve got some of the competition’s best outside backs and I’m sure we can handle anything they throw at us with Moggy’s booming left boot and Henry and Joe’s ability to bust the line. 

The last few weeks have been interesting ones for Brumbies fans, with eight players representing the Wallabies and another few involved with the overall camp. 

Congratulations are due for guys like Jesse Mogg, Ben Mowen and Christian Lealiifano. All three had a big impact on their debut series and did the Brumbies proud.

I thought Jesse’s boot in the final Test was a telling factor and he did a good job on turning Leigh Halfpenny around.

It was something the Wallabies had struggled to do in the previous two Tests.  Likewise, Benny Mowen’s work at the breakdown and in defence was massive.

Christian looked like a seasoned campaigner in front of the posts. We’re all very proud of the boys. 

For the guys who didn’t feature, Peter Kimlin and Scott Sio, I’m sure it was still an incredible experience neither will ever forget.

While big Pete has been involved with the national squad before, it’s Scotty’s first taste of that kind of rugby and I’m sure he’ll be there or there abouts for many years to come. 

It was unfortunate for guys like Dan Palmer and Nic White that they couldn’t be involved due to injury but I’m sure with their talent by the time they retire both guys will have played in plenty of big games. 

Back home, it’s been a time for the Brumbies to dig in and prepare for the week ahead.

Like I mentioned earlier, the Force are a tough opposition and this is a game we’ve focussed on for a long time.

Fingers crossed we can muster a big win.  Off the field, meanwhile, there are a couple of big sweet tooths in our team, but none can rival Henry Speight or Scott Fardy.

Both guys have giant lolly jars in their lockers which are occasionally full.  It was no surprise for anyone this week then, when Fards returned from the dentist needing six fillings.

We knew he had terrible hygiene, but six fillings?  It’s cost Scott half his annual wage just to plug the gaps. No wonder he was having trouble convincing Henry to see the same dentist. 

Tip: I’m backing the Aussies to make a better fist of the fourth and fifth days of the first Test and open the Ashes series with a win.

Robbie Coleman plays fullback for the ACT Brumbies and is a Queanbeyan Whites junior.