Brumbies expecting tough Barbarians clash

Thu, Jan 26, 2017, 3:16 AM
Tom Logan
by Tom Logan
Brumbies props Robbie Abel and Leslie Leulua'iali'i-Makin are anticipating a physical contest against the Australian Barbarians this weekend. The match take place at Viking Park, Erindale this this Saturday 28 January with kick-off at 17:30.

Hooker Robbie Abel and Prop Leslie Leulua'iali'i-Makin have the fire in their belly as they prepare to stamp their mark in the ACT Brumbies side ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby season.

“It means a lot to me having the Brumbies put a lot of faith in me now, Abel said.”

"It’s been a very physical pre-season; there has been a lot of running on the field."

“Everyone in the squad wants to be out there on the field competing so that we can contribute to the teams success.

“The goal for me will be to get as many minutes as I can for 2017 and for myself to grow as a player and person."

"I have really loved being back in Canberra, it’s fantastic.” - Robbie Abel

For Leslie Leulua'iali'i-Makin, the prop will be looking for injury free season with the ACT Brumbies after undergoing rehabilitation for the most part of 2016.

“Rehab is always tough at the start, it really takes a toll on you mentally,” Leulua'iali'i-Makin said.

“It’s great to be back training again, I just started training with the full squad again and I’m over the moon, I feel like a little kid again.”

“It’s always hard coming back from injury but you get to work on the little things that you wouldn’t normally get to work on when you’re fully fit and I believe that will put me in good stead going forward.”

“I want to solidify myself in the team and get as much game time as possible.”

The Brumbies play host to the Australian Barbarians this weekend. The match take place at Viking Park, Erindale this Saturday 28 January with kick-off at 17:30.

Both Abel and Leulua'iali'i-Makin are aware of the talent within the Barbarians side will be very cautious when the two sides clash.

“They have got some very good players, Phill Kite and Dean Oakman-Hunt are in there to name a couple. There’s quite a few more who have played with us and against in the NRC,” Abel said.

“They will be a very hungry side, there’s going to be a big confrontation on the field, very physical so it will be one to watch out for.”

The Brumbies will play their first home match of the 2017 Super Rugby season against the Durban Sharks. Memberships can be purchased at www.brumbies.com.au

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