Brumbies need their props to front up

 

The importance of a powerful pack and scrum has been highlighted recently with the Sharks scrum dominance setting the platform for their 31-27 victory against the Highlanders last weekend.

 

The Waratahs have also used their powerful forwards to dominate games, none more so than when they outmuscled the Brumbies 39-8 less than a month ago.

 

The all-Test Waratahs forward pack stormed over the top of the Brumbies, setting the platform for a huge win and bragging rights before the semi-final showdown.

 

Brumbies director of rugby Laurie Fisher has challenged Scott Sio to add 'an edge' to his performance for the Waratahs game, urging him to use his 120-kilogram frame to counter a physical onslaught in the Super Rugby semifinal.

 

"Scotty [Sio] has developed into a Test player, but by no means is he the finished product," Fisher told the Sydney Morning Herald.

 

"He needs to bring a real edge to his game on Saturday and that's his challenge.

 

"It's going to be a physical battle, he's 120kgs and he's got to be front and centre of the physical exchanges, be where the collisions are.

 

Fisher spoke of the last meeting with the Waratahs by stating that if the Brumbies were behind their opponents in any aspect they should expect to go home empty-handed.

 

"We did not match their physicality or work-rate last time," Fisher added

 

"they're exponentially fitter than they were two years ago. You have to match everything they bring to the game."

 

Sio's front row compatriot and newly capped Brumbie, Alaalatoa, will be thrown into the cauldron if selected to play in this important semifinal clash.

 

"Allan's up to it, we saw that last weekend," Sio said of his team-mate.

 

"It's a tough time to come in, but finals time is what you train for and to have this opportunity is great."

 

Alaalatoa, still only 20 years of age, has the potential prospect of going up against an all Wallaby front row in only his second cap.

 

"My dad has always told me that if you're good enough, you're old enough," the youngster said.

 

"Half the battle is mental and I've had to build that," Sio said.

 

"Family support is massive as well, both [the Sio and Alaalatoa] families will be in the crowd.

 

"At the end of the day dad goes whoever we're playing for, he's proud of us."

 

The Waratahs, after having a week off by topping the Super Rugby table and automatically qualifying for the semifinals, await the Brumbies in Sydney with the winner of that game playing with the Sharks or the Crusaders in the Final.