Brumbies look good in Super thriller

THE Brumbies are in the box seat to top Super Rugby’s Australian conference and play finals, but three key derby clashes amid desperation for Wallabies jerseys make for an intriguing finish.

Bonus point wins in Round 15 have given the Brumbies (34 points) and Melbourne Rebels (33) a big lead from the NSW Waratahs (26), who are badly missing Israel Folau’s strike power after their eighth loss by eight points or less.

The Brumbies appear to have the better run home – facing the lowly Sunwolves (12) then the Waratahs and Queensland Reds (24).

The Rebels play the Waratahs at home before a daunting away assignment against the ladder-topping Crusaders and a home clash with the always competitive Chiefs.

While the Waratahs’ hopes are slim at best and the Reds are out of the running, the competition for Wallabies spots in a World Cup year should ensure the derby clashes are ferociously contested.

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar was talking up playmaker Christian Lealiifano’s claims for an emotional Wallabies return following his cancer battle after he maintained impressive 2019 form in a 22-10 win over the Bulls on Friday.

“He’s been outstanding, just consistently good every week and off the back of his defence, his leadership and direction,” McKellar said. “He’d be my 10 (at the World Cup), but I’m a little bit biased.”

The coach would be equally impressed with giant Wallabies centre Tevita Kuridrani’s recent surge of form that included three tries against the Bulls. AAP