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The CA Brumbies will play two pre-season matches in the lead-up to the 2010 Investec Super 14 season.
The ACT-based side’s pre-season schedule will feature matches against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday, 29 January before returning to Canberra to front the Waratahs at Viking Park on Thursday, 4 February.
The match against the Waratahs is also expected to signal the return of the ACT’s Wallaby contingent as well as being Canberra’s first opportunity to see new recruits Matt Giteau, Rocky Elsom and Josh Valentine in CA Brumbies’ colours for the 2010 season.
The CA Brumbies have held annual pre-season fixtures against the Hurricanes since 2004, with the CA Brumbies winning the 2009 pre-season fixture 28-14 at Canberra Stadium.
The Waratahs and CA Brumbies have contested pre-season matches for the past four years, with the New South Welshmen taking out last year’s match, 17-14 at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Next year’s clash against the Waratahs will be the first time a Super Rugby pre-season match has been held at Viking Park since the CA Brumbies’ 39-22 win over the Hurricanes in February 2001.
CA Brumbies Head Coach Andy Friend says he’s excited about taking on the Waratahs at Viking Park.
“Viking Park is one of the best club rugby ground in Australia,” he said. “There aren’t too many grounds where you’ll get closer to the action and it’s a fantastic oval for the Canberra community to come and watch this game.
“The Tahs/Brumbies rivalry has always conjured up great interest amongst our supporters and I’ve got no doubt there will be a great atmosphere at a packed Viking Park in our last outing of the pre-season.”
Friend says the two pre-season matches will provide a good litmus test prior to the 2010 Investec Super 14.
“The Hurricanes and Waratahs have been two of the better performing sides in the Super 14 over the past few years,” he said. “We saw on several occasions last year how impressive the ‘Canes can be and the Waratahs have also placed well in recent years. Both sides have shown that they have tremendous depth within their squads and we’re looking forward to challenging ourselves in the lead-up to the season proper.
“These matches are a good chance for us to test some of our structures and plays against quality opposition as well as continuing to integrate some of the newer members of the squad.”
The CA Brumbies will begin the 2010 Investec Super 14 season against the Western Force in Perth on Friday, 12 February.
CA Brumbies 2010 Pre-Season Draw
1. Friday, 29 January Hurricanes v CA Brumbies at Westpac Stadium, Wellington
2. Thursday, 4 February CA Brumbies v Waratahs at Viking Park, Canberra