Brumbies coach Jake White has named an unchanged team for this Saturday’s Super Rugby Final showdown against the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium.
It’s the third week straight White has named the same 22 and the first time that’s happened since he took over the coaching reigns, two and a half years ago.
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The Final will be George Smith’s last appearance for the Brumbies, where he will set a club record of 142 games.
The Brumbies have qualified for their first Super Rugby Final in nine years, their last appearance being against the Crusaders in 2004.
White said the Chiefs were a good side which deserved a lot of respect.
“They are the Champions, they have been here before and are playing at home so for our guys to beat the Chiefs will take a huge effort,” White said.
“Our players have worked hard to get to this Final and I can assure you they are not thinking of leaving here without another Brumbies championship.
“At this stage of the season it’s nice to be making consistent selections and keeping the same team together. I’m pleased with how the season has unfolded so far but we have one more challenge to overcome before we can be completely satisfied.”
It’s the Brumbies sixth Final appearance, with Smith equalling George Gregan and Stephen Larkham’s record of five championship matches.
Brumbies: 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Clyde Rathbone, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Nic White, 8 Ben Mowen (Captain), 7 George Smith, 6 Peter Kimlin, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Scott Fardy, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Siliva Siliva, 17 Ruan Smith, 18 Fotu Auelua, 19 Colby Faingaa, 20 Ian Prior, 21 Andrew Smith, 22 Joseph Tomane.
Date: Saturday 3 August 2013
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 07:35 GMT, 17:.35 AEST)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Chris Pollock (New Zealand), Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)
TMO: Vinny Munro