Allan Alaalatoa knows what he is running into when he leads the ACT Brumbies onto Lang Park on Saturday night.
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A sea of red and maroon will greet the Brumbies as outsiders on a mission to claim back-to-back Super Rugby AU titles when they face the Queensland Reds.
But the reigning champions hold no fear leading into a clash behind enemy lines, against a team they have led for 156 of a possible 160 minutes this year without a win to show for it.
"What's great about it is our last game against them was up there [in Brisbane]," Alaalatoa said.
"We know what it's like, we've experienced the atmosphere. It's probably going to be a sold-out crowd which the boys are excited about.
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"The Reds are a side that pride themselves on their set piece, their big ball carriers and their physicality around the park. We'll make sure we have those areas of the game locked down."
The Brumbies know they have to take things up a notch. Sixteen turnovers in a 21-9 win over the Force is something they will address, but the Canberra conditions suggest it is hardly reason to panic.
"What was special about it was just the way we grinded it out," Alaalatoa said.
"You've got to give credit to the Force. We wanted to take our chances in the second half when they were down a man but they defended really well and managed to put us back under pressure."
The Force had to make 167 tackles to the Brumbies' 85, with the hosts dominating possession and territory to keep the outsiders from firing any genuine shots.
"There's genuine disappointment there because probably when we reflect on that it was one that we let slip because we didn't fire too many shots," Force coach Tim Sampson said.
"It was a real arm wrestle for the full 80 minutes and unfortunately we just didn't get in any good attacking positions. It's going to sting, no doubt."
SUPER RUGBY AU FINAL
Saturday: Queensland Reds v ACT Brumbies at Lang Park, 7.45pm. Broadcast: Live on Stan Sport and 9Gem. Tickets from Ticketek.
*The Brumbies are offering a package for fans including a charter flight to and from Brisbane, a ticket to the final, and one night's accommodation. Secure your seat here.