Home advantage will be a playing factor for the ACT Brumbies when they host the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in round 11 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.
Last weekend, the Brumbies were fuelled by the large turnout at GIO Stadium which they used to their advantage to beat league leaders Hurricanes 27-19.
This will be a playing factor again this weekend against the Drua but with the addition of their chilly weather conditions.
With temperatures hitting nine degrees Celsius, the Drua accustomed to the heat and tropical conditions may find it a struggle.
“We have the best crowd this year in terms of noise, so we love having their support, hopefully they keep rolling in to support us,” Brumbies captain Ryan Lonergan stated.
“It will be a cold one against the Drua so it might suit us a little bit more and we won’t complain about that one, so it’s just perfect.”
Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne had stated that the weather is something they will not use as an excuse.
“To battle the Brumbies in Canberra will be tough, it’s like the Drua in Lautoka or Suva. Home advantage is a big thing in Super Rugby and Canberra is a good advantage for the Brumbies. They play well and we know that last year when we played there, we worked really hard but fell short, so this Saturday night we have to make sure we are ready for the physicality they will bring,” he said.
Temperatures tomorrow night are expected to be around eight to nine degrees Celcius.
The match will kick off at 9.35pm.
