Brumbies coach Jake White isn’t bothered who gets up in the Chiefs v Reds Super Rugby match in Hamilton on Saturday: It’s a win for him either way.
The Brumbies showcased a dominant performance in their 30-19 Super Rugby win over the Highlanders on Friday after backs Jesse Mogg and Nic White led a relentless high ball assault on their winless Super Rugby foes in Dunedin.
Flanker George Smith was outstanding for the ACT franchise, his highlight reel including a forced turnover that led to an early penalty goal and scoring a try off the back of a disintegrated rolling maul in the 31st minute.
The win has put the Brumbies four points clear of the second-placed Chiefs overall and seven points ahead of their nearest conference rivals the Queensland Reds.
With both sides to go head to head on Saturday in the Super Rugby match of the round, White said the result would not consume him.
“It’s a wonderful situation to be in because it makes no difference,” he said.
“If the Chiefs win we’ll extend our lead in the conference but if the Reds win we’ll be the frontrunners of the whole competition.
“At the end of the day I will watch it with interest, not for any reason (other than) that we’ve got to play the Reds next week.”
The Brumbies face an unusual preparation for the blockbuster match against the Reds next Saturday with 11 players called up for a two day 30-man Wallabies camp from Sunday for the British and Irish Lions series in June.
While the Reds only have seven players in the camp, White played down questions it would more adversely affect his side’s build up for the pivotal clash at Suncorp Stadium.
“I don’t think so because it’s the same for everybody,” White said.
“The Reds have also got their key players involved and I’m sure they would like their players (at home) for the full week as well.
“We knew there was a camp and that’s another reason why we had to come (early) to New Zealand this week to make sure we got some more training under the belt.”
The Brumbies also look likely to head into the clash minus outside centre Andrew Smith, who injured his hamstring early against the Highlanders on Friday night in his first game back since a concussion one month ago.
