Larkham dismisses easy path as odd finals scheduling means Brumbies and Hurricanes could make semis before kick-off
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has vowed there will be no easing of effort in their quarter-final match against the Hurricanes even if they're safe from elimination before kick-off.
In a vagary of the Super Rugby Pacific draw in the first round of the playoffs, the Brumbies and Hurricanes could already be guaranteed entry into the semi-finals before they play, if other results go to script.
That is because their game is last of the three quarter-finals, and Queensland Reds and Blues could already be eliminated by the time referee Nic Berry blows his whistle at Canberra's GIO Stadium.
The first-placed Chiefs host the Blues in Hamilton on Saturday, while second-placed Crusaders host the Reds in Christchurch on Friday night.
Given the Reds and Brumbies have a combined 0-19 record in finals games in New Zealand, Queensland is facing a daunting task, while the Brumbies must also buck the trend if they're to go all the way.
In these circumstances, if the Brumbies are already guaranteed a final four place before the game against the Canes, you could forgive Larkham for taking an easy approach to the fixture to conserve energy.
'We are the last game this weekend but we've been pretty firm on making sure that we get a good performance out there on the field, so irrespective of the other results we need to know that we're playing well,' Larkham said.
'We can't get distracted by these other games and the other results.
'Realistically the Chiefs and Crusaders are in really good form and when you look at their opponents, Blues and the Reds, are also in exceptional form so we don't know where those games are going to go, and the most important thing for us right now is to focus on our preparation so that we can have our best performance this weekend, and either way we're going out there to try and win the game.'
The Brumbies welcome the return of skipper Allan Alaalatoa, who missed last week's 33-31 loss to the Crusaders with a strained calf.
'He rehabbed really well, so back to full training last week before we got to the game against Crusaders and he's had a good week so far this week,' Larkham said.
'So (he's) ticked everything off in terms of all the rehab markers with his strength, running, contact.
'He's been outstanding with the scrum this year. We've certainly seen him lifting his game around that, but it's the leadership that he brings to the team both on and off the field. Very vocal and a great motivator of the boys, I mean he's an outstanding rugby player.'
The Canes will come to Canberra full of confidence, having beaten the Brumbies there recently while riding a five-game winning streak.
'They're a physical side, the contests at the breakdown are very similar to Crusaders, they're entering a lot of rucks defensively,' Larkham said.
'They're putting a lot of pressure at the breakdown. They bring a bit of line speed. They've got the leading poacher in the competition (Du'Plessis Kirifi).
'They're very good with the ball in hand. They've got dangerous threats around the ruck with their nine running (Cam Roigard), centres and wingers coming in. They've got the ability to shift the ball quite well.'
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