A full stadium, fans spilling into the street and rugby taking centre stage. That should be the scene for the ACT Brumbies' clash against the NSW Waratahs this week.
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It should be easy for Australian rugby to drum-up support for the derby, especially with finals spots on the line in the second last game of the regular season.
But the bustling atmosphere of rugby-mad fans painted above? That was Tokyo on Saturday. Yep, the same city which will be shunned by Super Rugby after officials decided to kick the Sunwolves out of the competition.
Brumbies players and coaches left Japan in awe of the respect and enthusiasm the fans had for rugby. The demise of the Sunwolves is the sad reality of Super Rugby.
Australian teams would love the support they get and Brumbies officials are hoping people jump on the bandwagon to ensure they avoid playing a home final that actually costs them money to host in the coming weeks.
"It's such a unique experience in Japan. It's a great country to visit and it will be a sad day when the Sunwolves aren't a part of Super Rugby," McKellar said.
BRUMBIES NEWS
"There would have been close to 20,000 and they got by 50 the week before we got there. The noise and appreciation of good footy, they're a pleasure to play in front of. The players love it."
The Brumbies scored six tries in a 42-19 romp against the Sunwolves, securing a crucial bonus point to move five points clear in the Australian conference.
The next two weeks are set up for Brumbies rugby excitement. They play the Waratahs away before finishing the regular season against the Queensland Reds.
Two derby games that should generate some interest and help the Brumbies avoid the record-low average crowds they've experienced so far this season.
The Brumbies have won their past four games and have only lost once since the start of April. They have also won six in a row in Canberra.
"We always get excited about the Waratahs. It's going to be physical, it won't be a place for the faint-hearted. If I'm a rugby supporter, I'd be getting out there on Saturday night," McKellar said. "It's going to be one hell of a battle. Hopefully we can generate some support."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 17
Saturday: NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies at Parramatta, 7.45pm.