Gregan urges Brumbies to reach for sky

The Brumbies will play against the Free State Cheetahs in the capital in their first finals appearance since Gregan and a team of greats won the title in 2004.

And inaugural captain Brett Robinson - regarded as one of the greatest players in the club's history - urged the Brumbies to use the lessons from their play-off choke last year to ensure they don't make the same mistake.

Gregan was part of coach Jake White's rebuilding plan and he rejoined the Brumbies last season as a consultant halves coach.

''You jockey all season to be in this position,'' Gregan said.

''You've seen these players grow in the past two seasons. They've learnt their lessons from last year, and this time of year is about playing your best rugby.

''That defines a champion. That's what's ahead of the Brumbies and once you get that experience, you want to be there every year and win the damn competition.''

The Brumbies are favourites to win their clash with the Cheetahs.

The Bloemfontein-based team is playing in the club's first finals match.

The majority of the Brumbies are also getting their first taste of finals action, with just four players - Clyde Rathbone, George Smith, Ben Mowen and Ian Prior - boasting play-off experience.

The Cheetahs had not won a game in Australia until they beat the NSW Waratahs in Sydney two years ago but they haven't lost to an Australian opponent this season.

Gregan was part of a championship-era in Canberra. The Brumbies won titles in 2001 and 2004 and were runners-up in three more finals.

Champion scrumhalf Gregan declared the Brumbies were capable of winning another title this season.

''Being able to put teams away shows the next stage of growth for this team,'' Gregan said.

''The Brumbies have scored a lot of tries this year, they create opportunities and they do it very well.

''Winning finals is about coping with pressure and trusting what you've done all year. They learnt what not to do when they lost to the Western Force last week.

''The Brumbies got to a stage when we were playing in finals every year and we got used to it. I hope this team goes as deep as it can and goes on with it.''

Robinson led the team into the final in 2000. But the flanker was denied a fairytale send-off when the Brumbies fell to the Canterbury Crusaders in a heartbreaking 20-19 defeat in Canberra.

The Brumbies' prize for the best and fairest player during the season bears Robinson's name.

When he retired after the deflating loss, George Smith took over the No. 7 duties and became one of the best players in Australian rugby history.

Robinson gave a blunt and direct speech at the club's 2011 presentation night when the Brumbies were at their lowest point after sacking two coaches and finishing third last.

His message was simple: ''There's no easy fix.''

''It's been fantastic to watch the way the club has reconnected with its cores and recaptured the culture,'' Robinson said.

''Now they need to follow through on the opportunity they've been given this year.

''They've been one of the form sides and you'd hate to think they don't capitalise on this.