Super Rugby / Andy Morris / 08 April 2011 / 1 Comments Bet Now View Market

The Brumbies will take on the Hurricanes at Canberra Stadium on Saturday 9th April in a Super 15 Rugby match-up.

These two teams have met 16 times in the past and are dead even in terms of wins and losses. Their last meeting was during round 10 a year ago when the Hurricanes earned a 23-13 win.

However, the Brumbies are heading into this match in terrible form with four losses and a bye in the past five rounds and five straight losses overall. The Hurricanes are also struggling with a win, three losses and a bye in their past five, including three straight defeats.

The Brumbies will play with an unchanged side from last week's 26-20 loss to the Highlanders. Pat McCabe will be returning to the bench after sitting out with a hamstring injury.

The Hurricanes announced three changes after their 26-14 loss to the Bulls in week seven. Flyhalf Aaron Cruden will enter the team after spending the previous three weeks on the bench. Tyson Keats comes back in at halfback and Andre Taylor will take over on the right wing for Julian Savea. Taylor might end up at fullback though if Cory Jane misses the game due to the anticipated birth his third child. If Jane sits out then Alapati Leiua will play on the wing with Taylor at fullback.

The Brumbies disastrous start means it'll take a minor miracle for them to make the finals. They sit in fourth place in the Australian Conference and are in 10th spot overall after seven weeks. They lost to the Highlanders last week due to missing four goals by Matt Giteau.

The Hurricanes haven't really been much better lately though as their three straight defeats will attest to. They are sitting in last place in the New Zealand Conference and in 13th place overall.

Nobody has stood out for either team in recent weeks, so this game offers a prime opportunity for somebody to grab the bulls by the horns and lead the way. The winner of the game might still have a lifeline to the finals, but it's not likely either of them will make it. The loser will definitely be sunk, so this match has the potential to be a good one as there's so much at stake. There's a lot of talent on the field between these sides, but it hasn't been on display lately.

The Brumbies should wake up in time to win this match by five.