Super Rugby preview: Brumbies host Auckland Blues at Canberra Stadium

Jerome Kaino: Captains the Blues in the absence of Luke Braid

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The Blues could leapfrog their way into second place on Friday as they travel to the Canberra Stadium to take on the Brumbies as Round 8 of Super Rugby gets underway.

Sir John Kirwan’s men cruised to victory over the Highlanders at Eden Park last weekend, with tries from George Moala, Ma’a Nonu and Charles Piutau gifting them a 30-12 triumph.

The Blues recorded back-to-back victories for the first time this season – having lost three of their first four outings – and could move second should they manage to complete a hat-trick.

Brumbies lost pace with league leaders the Sharks last weekend, as they slipped to a shock 32-24 reverse at the hands of Melbourne Rebels.

A slovenly 10 minutes cost the Brumbies dear as the Rebels cruised home, with defeat leaving them six points adrift of the Sharks.

Despite their unexpected blip, four wins from their opening six fixtures leaves Brumbies in second, level on points with defending champions Chiefs, while opponents Blues, Lions and the Waratahs are all just one point behind.

Kirwan has made just two changes to the side that overcame the Highlanders last week, with Brendan O’Connor returning for the Blues, while Tevita Li gets a call-up.

Jerome Kaino assumes captaincy duties from the injured Luke Braid, who is replaced by O’Connor at openside flanker.

After featuring heavily against the Highlanders, Jackson Willison has been ruled out with a rib injury, meaning George Moala switches into midfield and livewire Li gets a run on the left flank.

Brumbies: 15 Mogg, 14 Tomane, 13 Smith, 12 McCabe, 11 Coleman, 10 Toomua, 9 White; 1 JP Smith, 2 Stephen Moore, 3 Alexander, 4 Scott Fardy, 5 Carter, 6 Smiler, 7 Butler, 8 Mowen (c)
Replacements: 16 Siliva Siliva, 17 Ruan Smith, 18 Ruaidhri Murphy, 19 Jack Whetton, 20 Lachlan McCaffrey, 21 Michael Dowsett, 22 Stephan Van Der Walt, 23 Lionel Cronje.

Blues: 15 Piutau, 14 Halai, 13 Moala, 12 Nonu, 11 Li, 10 Hickey, 9 Hall; 1 Woodcock, 2 McCartney, 3 Faumuina, 4 Moli, 5 Triggs, 6 Kaino (capt), 7 O’Connor, 8 Luatua
Replacements: 16 Parsons, 17 Prattley, 18 Ta’avao, 19 Manihera, 20 Braod, 21 Takulua, 22 Saili, 23 Marshall.

You can see all the action from the Canberra Stadium as the Brumbies take on the Blues live on Sky Sports 3HD from 9:30am.

Article source: http://www.loverugbyleague.com/news_14675-chambers-makes-rugby-league-return.html

Super Rugby preview: Brumbies host Auckland Blues at Canberra Stadium