Physicality is the key to get the ACT Brumbies back to their pre-pandemic form on New Zealand soil.
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The last time the side triumphed over the Kiwis across the ditch was in February 2020 against the Waikato Chiefs in Hamilton, and they have the chance to do it again on Saturday.
The Brumbies are chasing their fourth straight win, and Dan McKellar knows what they have to do to make it happen.
"We were pretty disappointed with our defence off kicks in particular [against the Wellington Hurricanes], there's a bit of detail we needed to refresh there and tidy up," he said.
"We were a little bit compressed in and around the ruck, which exposed us on edges, and so we have to tidy that up against a team that's very good for counter attack. So we've done some work on that.
"Our physicality was pretty good but we need to go to another level this week."
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Two big names returning for the Brumbies, in Allan Alaalatoa and Nick Frost, will boost the side, and a milestone 50th game in the jersey for backrower Pete Samu will add to the atmosphere in Hamilton.
McKellar said the side was in a good position injury wise for round 12, and for the remaining three Pacific rounds.
"We're in a good position but it's all about fronting up on Saturday evening," he said.
"The Chiefs at home is always a tough ask. Traditionally we play well there, we certainly didn't last year but we're ready to go."
Isobel Cootes
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times. A Novocastrian with a passion for football (or soccer as they call it in the capital) via The Examiner and The Port Lincoln Times.
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times. A Novocastrian with a passion for football (or soccer as they call it in the capital) via The Examiner and The Port Lincoln Times.
