Not because of the opposition.

But because of Shawn Mackay who was seriously injured in a car accident in the early hours of Sunday morning.

He was brought out of an induced coma on Thursday and responded to basic questions. There was further good news yesterday when he moved his right leg.

That will come as some consolation to the Brumbies as they deal with an emotional cocktail that will be bubbling away inside them, making tonight's match against the Free State Cheetahs so tough.

The Brumbies have endured the week from hell.

Take it back a further two weeks and it's been the tour from hell.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times