Moore: We have to dig deep

 

The Brumbies secured a semifinal game against the table-topping Hurricanes after sweeping the Stormers 39-19 in a defencive masterclass from the Australian outfit. 

 

Unfortunately for the Brumbies it means they now have to depart on a 20-odd hour flight to New Zealand crossing various time-zones, after already having flown to South Africa just a week ago.

 

Brumbies' captain Stephen Moore has urged his side to dig deep and raise the bar in order to be ready for the crunch game against the Hurricanes.

 

"There is no way around it [travelling] you just have to dig deep and find that extra little bit," said Moore at the post match press conference.

 

"It is not ideal having to travel halfway across the world, and then travel to New Zealand. 

 

"All those things are in play, but that's when the character of the guys comes in and we have to find that bit extra."

 

"Im confident after tonight's performance that there is enough character in the side to take our game to another level which we are going to need to do.

 

Brumbies' head coach Stephen Larkham explained that there is only so much they can do to regarding preparations.

 

"We just need to make sure we prioritise our training and get the guys to the game as fresh as possible," explained Larkham.

 

Larkham heaped praise on his team's performance at Newlands highlighting the work at the breakdown and the defencive effort.

 

"It was one of the best performances that we have had over the last couple of years," said Larkham.

 

"There was good presence at the breakdown, defencively again the forwards were outstanding and David Pocock and Scott Fardy were good at the breakdown.

 

"The guys were constantly putting pressure on the Stormers and it was comfortable sitting in the box watching our defense."

 

Larkham also felt the Red Card dished out to Henry Speight was unlucky and a concern for the Brumbies heading into their must-win game against the Hurricanes.

 

"It is a huge concern at the moment, it was very unlucky he was getting shepherded off the ball and he reacts and the guy lands on his head."

 

The Brumbies will face the Hurricanes in a Super Rugby semifinal on Saturday June 27 in Wellington.

 

@andrewslamdunc

@rugby365com