'Surreal' moment as Lucas brothers face off for first time

Thu, Apr 5, 2018, 10:53 PM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Matt Lucas will face his brother Ben as a direct opponent on Saturday. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley
Matt Lucas will face his brother Ben as a direct opponent on Saturday. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

When referee Ben O'Keeffe orders the first scrum of the Brumbies' clash with the Reds on Saturday night, it'll be a surreal moment for Matt Lucas.

It'll be the first time any of the four Lucas brothers have squared off as direct opponents, with Matt and Ben named at halfback for the Brumbies and Reds, respectively.

The pair went toe-to-toe many times as rugby mad kids in their Brisbane backyard but they have never started against one another, making for some nervous moments in the Lucas household.

"It's extremely exciting," Lucas said.

"I think it's stressful for mum and dad but (Ben) has had a huge influence on me as a rugby player and as a person, more importantly.Matt Lucas will make his first start in a Brumbies jersey on Saturday. Photo: Getty Images"To go out there and mix it with each other on Saturday will be pretty fun."

A photo opportunity that will go straight to the pool room will pop up when the pair are side by side as the first scrum is packed, a moment that Lucas admits will be a touch surreal.

"It will be, standing there feeding the scrum next to him," Lucas said.

"Depending on what stage of the game we will probably be standing there blowing our gaskets out but it's extremely exciting.

"He's one of my best mates and it'll be good to go out there to duel with him on Saturday night."

Saturday's clash with the Reds also represents Lucas' first opportunity to start since making the move to Canberra.Joe Powell will come off the bench on Saturday. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart WalmsleyIt's an opportunity he deserves, having added spark to an otherwise dour Brumbies attack as Joe Powell's deputy to date.

"I came down here for a bit of opportunity and this week I get it," Lucas said.

"It's a chance for me to go out there and play my brand of footy, which is completely different to Joey's.

"I like to play fast, I like to get out and create a few opportunities there."

On a team front, the Brumbies are out to prove a point in front of their home fans, having dropped their first clash with the Reds this year in disappointing fashion.

"It was disappointing up there," Lucas said.

"I think we were completely out enthused and this is an opportunity to go out there and make amends."

The Brumbies host the Reds at GIO Stadium on Saturday night, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and RUGBY.com.au radio.
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