Big games, all eyes on Marika
SYDNEY - THE Brumbies will attempt to rebound from last week's disappointing defeat to the Reds, as they look to find some momentum ahead of the second v third play-off final.
Dan McKellar's men fell to their second two-point loss of the season to the Reds last week as Brad Thorn's side earned a home final.
However, for the Brumbies the loss of home-field advantage could spark their season back into life.
Prior to last weekend's defeat to the Reds, the Brumbies just about sneaked a win against the winless Waratahs and haven't managed to produce a strong 80-minute display for a number of weeks. Look for McKellar's outfit to take advantage of their play-off security and go all out in pursuit of a dominant display.
As for the Rebels, their season is swiftly approaching do-or-die territory and they will be desperate to win to keep the emerging Western Force at bay. Dave Wessels' men failed to stop the Force last weekend as a late try from Tim Antsee stole the victory at the death for the Perth-based team.
The Rebels' woes were compounded as Reece Hodge sustained a seasonending knee injury during his potential match-winning field-goal attempt.
The season appears to be unravelling at speed for the Rebels and their misery doesn't look like it will end as the wounded Brumbies come to town.