Brumbies looking to 'sort out' the Waratahs after suffering first loss

Back to full strength ahead of their clash with arch-rivals NSW Waratahs, the Brumbies say they’ve taken lessons from their first loss of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

Fulfilling Wallabies’ rest policy requirements, the Brumbies sat out six Test players for their trip to New Zealand to face the Crusaders and fell short 35-17 last Friday.

But rather than dent their confidence, veteran prop James Slipper said the players were upbeat about the performance.

“It gave the boys in the squad the opportunity to play for the jersey and I thought they did really well,” the Wallabies captain said.

“They performed pretty well against one of the better teams in the competition.

“We learnt a fair bit – and a few of the boys learnt a lot individually, but we’re back into it this week and are excited by it.”

The Brumbies sit third on the ladder while the Waratahs are one from the bottom, with a solitary win from five games.

The teams also squared off in round one, with the Brumbies taking a hard-fought 31-25 victory.

Despite the contrasting ladder positions, Slipper expected another tough outing at GIO Stadium on Saturday night.

“What I’ve noticed about the Tahs is that they play with a lot of skill and try to play high tempo footy,” he said.

“We know what’s coming – they’re big bodies and hopefully we can sort them out.”

The Waratahs only fell to the unbeaten Chiefs by 10 points last round, with errors cruelling their chances.

No.8 Will Harris said they were determined to kickstart their season with a big showing against the Brumbies, who have won their last 10 meetings.

“I thought we took a few steps in the right direction (against the Chiefs) and we will look to build on it, Harris said on Tuesday.

“Brumbies week has always got a bit of added spice and it’s a great rivalry that I’ve enjoyed playing in but I haven’t beaten them yet.

“I think we’ve got the team and game plan to do it this week.

“They’ve had the wood on us the last couple of years so there’s definitely extra motivation to win.”