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'Really proud': How the Brumbies overcame 'a tough month' to defeat 'quality' Hurricanes side

(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

The Brumbies finally ended their losing run against New Zealand opposition on Saturday night, grinding out a 12-10 victory over the Hurricanes in front of a home crowd.

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And after Hurricanes star Jordie Barrett missed two clear chances to steal victory, Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said it was about time some luck went their way.

McKellar’s side were stunned four minutes into extra time in the Super Rugby AU final against the Queensland Reds last month, and followed it with three consecutive losses to New Zealand teams in the Trans-Tasman competition.

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Although the domestic championship loss will be difficult to overcome, McKellar is happy his players can finally enjoy a victory back at home.

“It’s been a tough month. You go back to the grand final and that’s one that we’ll probably never get over,” he said after the win against the Hurricanes.

“We managed to get ourselves up for the Crusaders (following the grand final) and we were unlucky against a team I consider the best in the world.

“The last two weeks we’ve just been disappointing and we were disappointed last week with how we performed in what was a significant game.

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“But we stuck tight and stuck at it … just really proud we squeezed out a result against a quality side.”

The win was played in front of Brumbies fans who braved a chilly Canberra evening for the club’s first home game in six weeks, making it all the sweeter.

“Anytime we pull on the jersey it’s a special moment and that’s how our group approaches it,” McKellar said.

“Tonight was an opportunity back in front of faithful supporters who came out and braved the cold in tough conditions and we’re just pleased that we can deliver for them.

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“Off the back of the last four weeks that we’ve had, to bounce back tonight is what we’re what we’re most proud of.

“We deserve a bit of luck I think to be honest, we haven’t had a whole lot lately.”

The Brumbies face the unbeaten Highlanders next Friday in the final round of the Trans-Tasman competition.

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
Three-way race to be number one in World Rugby men's rankings

IF SA and NZ win then its 1,2,3 SA/NZ/IRL Otherwise as you were. This is largely irrelevant beyond bragging rights.


As I have pointed out elsewhere the practical use of the Rankings is to determine the seedings bands for the RWC draw. The draw takes place early 2026 and hopefully the rankings will be taken from then.


Important to be in the top 6, the top 12. (and likely the top 4).

This is because there are now 6 groups in the RWC 2027.

If you are in top 6 you are in Seeding Band 1. That means none of the other top 6 will be in your group.

Seeding Band 2 are teams from 7-12, who will have a top 6 team but no other 7-12 team.

After England's defeat by NZ there is clear water between NZ in 3rd, France in 4th and England in 5th. England are desperate for top4, ill come back and explain why later.

Lets look at Seeding Band 1 and 6th place. If you make 6th, no top 6 team is in your group, you are top dog. If you win your group, you won't be facing a top 6 team in your 1/8th final, you will be facing a weaker team. If you fail to make 6th place you WILL have a top 6 team in your group and if you don't win your group you WILL (probably) meet a top 6 in the 1/8 final. That's massive.


Its Argentina holding 6th now. Assuming England hold 5th, then its a 4 horse race for 6th. Argentina, Scotland, Italy and ...Australia. (ranked 6,7,8,9)

Australia play the Lions in NH summer 2025 they are running out of time to get up to 6th for their own RWC. They MUST make a move now. They must beat Wales and they really must beat Scotland to gain points and take points off them. Could they surprise England or Ireland? England may be the better bet but Schmidt knows Ireland so well having masterminded their downfall in France.

Another one to watch is Italy V Argentina. Italy are ambitious and they will want to start pushing the likes of Argentina. If they win this they are still in the hunt. Well worth a watch either way.


Top4: I think the top 6 will be seeded, all the way through from the draw. If thats the case then the top 4 will be seeded to avoid each other until the semi. Good for more certainty around ticket sales etc. That's a possible reason why England want in there. You're not in there you are hitting a top 4 team in a QF. That's an extra 50:50 match you can do without and avoid by being top 4.


Lets look at what Seeding bands might look like with todays rankings:


Seeding Band 1

IRE/SA/NZ/FRA/ENG/ARG

Seeding Band 2

SCO/ITA/AUS/FIJ/WAL/GEO


Sample Aussie strongest pool opponent and 1/8th final opponent if in top 6

Strongest pool opponent: FIJI

1/8 final opponent GEORGIA

Prognosis: advance to 1/4 and potentially beyond


Sample Aussie strongest pool opponent and 1/8th final opponent if NOT in top 6

Strongest pool opponent: SOUTH AFRICA

1/8 final opponent NEW ZEALAND

Prognosis: You know the prognosis


I am pretty sure this is not lost on Joe Schmidt?


Keep in mind when enjoying the matches.

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