Battle of the boot at Newlands

 

When the two teams met at the same venue earlier in the season Lealiifano smashed a sitter of a late conversion off one of the poles to take most of the blame as the Brumbies went down 25-24.

 

So he knows better than most just how important accurate kicking will be this weekend in what will be his 100th Super Rugby match.

 

The experienced pivot said that with a place in the semifinals on the line, the margins are going to be even tighter and the Brumbies are willing to do whatever it takes to progress.

 

"In finals footy tactical kicking is always pretty crucial, and at the same time we also want to play some footy.

 

"Anything to get a result we want to do, and do it well," he said.

 

Another thing that cost the Brumbies last time out at Newlands was their high penalty count, and Lealiifano admitted that they have placed a big focus on their discipline this week, especially with his opposite number Demetri Catrakilis likely to punish them if they get on the wrong side of referee Jaco Peyper.

 

"It is about making smarter decisions and adapting to the referee on the day, it is always a tough one and I guess we shot ourselves in the foot a little bit in the last game where we kept pushing the envelope.

 

"We have spoken about it a little bit, to make smarter decisions at the breakdown and in that contact area," he said.

 

Lealiifano has been impressed with Catrakilis this season, and is looking forward to a tactical kicking duel, especially given the wet weather in Cape Town recently.

 

"He [Catrakilis] has been really consistent and he is kicking really well as well. Discipline is always crucial in finals and he is really good with that tactical kicking game and knocking the points over," he said.

 

Although happy to reach his Super Rugby century, Lealiifano said he would be saving the celebrations for after the match.

 

"I guess making 100 is pretty special, there is a special group of men that have achieved that.

 

"For me every game I have taken as if it is going to be my last so Saturday will be no different.

 

"The time to celebrate it is when you are finished, but the team is focused on the plans and goals that we have," he added.