Brumbies aim to beat all NZ teams for first time Saturday

The Brumbies have a chance to make history this Saturday by beating all New Zealand teams in one season, a feat never done by an Australian team before.
By Newsroom | Rugby, Australia |

The Brumbies face the Hurricanes this Saturday with a chance to become the first Australian team to defeat every New Zealand opponent in a single Super Rugby season. This historic achievement hinges on a win against the table-topping Hurricanes, currently ranked first, while the Brumbies sit fourth.

No Aussie team has beaten every Kiwi side in a Super season. The Brumbies can do it on Saturday - 1

The significance of this potential sweep is underscored by the overall performance of Australian teams. Aussie sides have shown a marked improvement this season, with three teams now occupying spots in the top six of the standings. This resurgence marks a notable shift, seemingly turning the tables on their New Zealand counterparts.

No Aussie team has beaten every Kiwi side in a Super season. The Brumbies can do it on Saturday - 2

Super Round Amidst Shifting Fortunes

The Super Round, where teams gather "under one roof," presents several key matchups. On Friday, the Crusaders, aiming to avoid a clean sweep of losses against Australian teams, face the sixth-placed Waratahs. Saturday's schedule also features the Blues, ranked third, against the Queensland Reds (fifth). This latter match is particularly charged, marking the first encounter between the Reds and the Blues since Vern Cotter was announced as the replacement for Les Kiss as Reds coach next season.

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No Aussie team has beaten every Kiwi side in a Super season. The Brumbies can do it on Saturday - 3

The Reds' season, however, has been inconsistent. A recent shock loss to the Fijian Drua in Canberra, coupled with earlier defeats to the Drua in Fiji and home losses against the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds, has left their campaign vulnerable.

Context of the Season

Earlier in March, reports highlighted the strong start by Australian teams, suggesting they were "turning the tables on the Kiwis." This assertion was supported by the Waratahs' early success, placing them second in the standings after victories over the Queensland Reds and Fijian Drua. The article noted that some teams were "overcommitting on attack," leading to vulnerabilities through turnovers.

The Drua themselves have experienced a mixed season, including a remarkable nine-game winning streak at home in Lautoka before a recent loss to Moana Pasifika. This indicates a dynamic and unpredictable competitive landscape within the Super Rugby competition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the Brumbies make history against the Hurricanes this Saturday?
Yes, the Brumbies have a chance to become the first Australian team to defeat every New Zealand team in a single Super Rugby season. They play the Hurricanes this Saturday.
Q: How are Australian teams doing in Super Rugby this season?
Australian teams are improving, with three teams in the top six. This is a big change from previous seasons where New Zealand teams were stronger.
Q: What is the significance of the Brumbies beating all NZ teams?
This would be a historic achievement for Australian rugby, showing a major shift in the competition's balance of power.
Q: Why is the Reds vs Blues match important?
This match is important because it's the first time the Reds will play the Blues since Vern Cotter was announced as the new Reds coach for next season. It also features the third-placed Blues against the fifth-placed Reds.
Q: Have the Queensland Reds been consistent this season?
No, the Reds have had an inconsistent season. They recently lost to the Fijian Drua and have had other losses against Australian teams.