ACT Brumbies fullback Tom Banks has challenged his teammates to dominate the physical battle as they look to maintain a stranglehold over their domestic rivals.
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The Brumbies are hunting for a 10th consecutive interstate derby win when they face the Melbourne Rebels at Leichhardt Oval on Friday.
Banks says the onus is on the Brumbies' forward pack to continue their impressive stretch and shut down the resurgent Rebels.
But he says that is only half of the battle - then it's up to the backs to shut down their star-studded counterparts.
"Every time we play [Melbourne], it's a really physical game," Brumbies fullback Tom Banks said.
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"We know they're going to bring that again, for us it's about stepping up and aiming up physically to stop their go-forward. If we do that, that'll go a long way towards nullifying their attack in the long run.
"It starts with their forward pack, they've got some strong ball carriers so we really need to nullify that.
"In the backs, Matt To'omua is playing some really good footy, really testing out the opposition back line so we're going to have our hands full."
The Brumbies are looking to maintain an unbeaten start to the campaign and edge closer towards a home final while the Rebels are looking to shore up a place in the top three.
The visitors will enter the clash seven points clear at the top of the standings while a Rebels win could propel Dave Wessels' outfit into second.
SUPER RUGBY AU ROUND SIX
Friday: Melbourne Rebels v ACT Brumbies at Leichhardt Oval, 7.05pm.
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports journalist for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports journalist for The Canberra Times.
