Brumbies backrower Jarrad Butler says the side won’t be changing the way they approach the breakdown when they host the Waratahs on Friday night.
The Brumbies conceded 12 penalties against the Hurricanes with David Pocock yellow carded late in the game for repeated infringements, though the game was already decided by then.
Butler, set to play his 50th Super Rugby match on Friday night, said the Brumbies weren’t overly concerned over their disciplinary record.
“I think we work really hard on the breakdown and putting pressure on wherever we can in a game,” he said.
“Different rules are subject to interpretation and we’re working to play our game plans as best we can.”
While obviously being heavily penalised is not ideal, Butler said aggression in the breakdown was pivotal for the Brumbies.
“Definitely we don't want to be getting penalised, it makes it hard to play but I think being aggressive at the breakdowns is part of our game plan,” he said.
“I think what we do really well is contest everything and I think we’re going to work on it but not going to try and change too much.”
Their competitiveness at the breakdown mightn’t be new for ACT fans but Butler said he hoped the Brumbies’ expanded attacking enterprise on display against the Hurricanes would lure more fans to Canberra Stadium on Friday night.
“We’re trying to play a bit more open, a bit more fun footy and I think that was reflected (against the Hurricanes),” he said.
“I think the response from the crowd that was there was really positive and if that can draw more people then it’s awesome.”
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham signalled the side’s intent to keep with their new flair post-match and Butler said maintaining an expansive game was in the front of the players’ minds.
The ACT franchise will have an extra day's’ rest on their closest rivals, returning to training on Monday after having the weekend off.
