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There’s no doubting who the team to beat in Super Rugby Pacific are this season, as the unbeaten Hurricanes head to the Australian capital to face the Brumbies on Saturday.
With eight wins from their opening eight games, the Hurricanes have been outstanding in this campaign so far and are serious contenders to go all the way in the grand final this year.
Saturday throws up what could be one of their hardest tests of the season to date, as they head to GIO Stadium to face a Brumbies side that have also caught the eye this term.
With six wins from their eight games, the Brumbies are the leading Australian team on the ladder and this weekend's encounter in Canberra is the pick of the Round 10 games, with third taking on first.
. What: Brumbies v Hurricanes
. Where: GIO Stadium, Canberra
. When: 14:35 (AEST), Saturday 27th April 2024
. How to watch: Stan Sport
. Odds: Brumbies 2.75, Hurricanes 1.45
Brumbies leading Australia charge
While the Melbourne Rebels have been the surprise package when it comes to Australian hopes in Super Rugby Pacific this season, the Brumbies still look to be the strongest Aussie outfit in the competition this term.
The Brumbies have an impressive record against this weekend's opponents, having won four of their last five meetings with the Hurricanes.
GIO Stadium has certainly not been a happy hunting ground for the Hurricanes over recent years, with the Wellington outfit winning just once in their last 12 visits.
Despite their record in this fixture, the Brumbies are the slight underdogs heading into Saturday's game and are good value at 2.75 to inflict the first defeat of the season on the Hurricanes.
In the Line market, the Brumbies are 1.91 with a +6 handicap for this one.
No complacency in Hurricanes camp
Given their record at GIO Stadium, the in-form Hurricanes won't be taking anything for granted when they make the trip to Canberra.
The Hurricanes faced a tricky trip to Fiji in their last outing against a Fijian Drua side that have been strong on their own patch this season.
The 'Canes came through the test in tropical conditions with flying colours as they ran out 38-15 winners in Suva.
Saturday will provide a different challenge against a Brumbies side that will be looking to bounce back after a 46-7 defeat at the hands of the Blues last time out.
Head coach Clark Laidlaw will have watched the tape closely to see where this Brumbies' defence can be exploited at the weekend.
The 'Canes are the 1.45 favourites to come away from GIO Stadium with a rare victory, while Kini Naholo and Salesi Rayasi are both 1.80 in the anytime tryscorer market to get over the line against the Brumbies this weekend.
