Plus500 Brumbies versus the Waratahs. Not much more needs to be said in truth. It’s Us versus Them. It’s the ACT versus New South Wales. It’s the Rebellion versus the Empire.
Okay, maybe the last one is taking it one analogy too far, but you get the general drift. Either way you look at it, it’s the Derby Match they all want to win and it’s on at GIO Stadium.
The iconic venue in Bruce will provide the backdrop for, not one, but two, Brumbies v ‘Tahs fixtures on Friday 15 March. Two matches for the price of one ticket.
Two derbies for the cost of one. The Super Rugby match between the perennial rivals will provide the main course at 7.45pm but there’s also a tasty appetiser in the shape of the Brumbies Runners taking on the Waratahs ‘A’ from 5pm.
Players don’t need much motivation to get fired and charged for this one but, if they do, they only need to cast their minds back to season’s past and the moments that live long in the memory. Just last year we had Tevita Kuridrani rampaging through the ‘Tahs defence in Sydney to secure a remarkable 41-31 victory as Dan McKellar’s charges found their feet.
Those with longer-term recollections may well sit back with a contended smile on their faces when they recall the 56-9 shellacking the Brumbies handed out on a never to be forgotten day in April 1997. On the converse, there’s the times we’d rather forget.
The ‘Tahs waltzing to a 41-7 win in Sydney in 2011 or the painful 17-24 reverse at GIO Stadium last year.But, that’s the beauty of the Derby. It’s the glory of success against the gritty reality of defeat. It’s putting one over on your main rivals, a sort of proverbial shoving of the Big Brother if you will.
It might be sweet. It might be sour. What it definitely won’t be, is dull. It’s the Brumbies and the ‘Tahs. Doubled. Make sure you are at GIO Stadium early on Friday 15 March to see it all. Tickets are available now from www.ticketek.com.au or buy a membership from www.brumbies.com.au.
MATCH DETAILS
Friday 15 March 2019
Gates Open: 4.45pm
Challenge Match: Brumbies Runners v Waratahs ‘A’
(Kick-Off: 5pm)
Super Rugby: Plus500 Brumbies v Waratahs
(Kick-Off: 7.45pm)
