Brumbies embracing underdog mentality

Fri, Apr 27, 2018, 3:46 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Sam Carter and the Brumbies believe they can shock the Crusaders in Canberra. Photo: Getty Images
Sam Carter and the Brumbies believe they can shock the Crusaders in Canberra. Photo: Getty Images

As Sam Carter etches his name in the 100 club on Saturday, the Brumbies are embracing the underdog tag which has long been part of their identity.

Carter will lead the Brumbies onto GIO Stadium as heavy underdogs against a red hot Crusaders outfit, having played poorly in a 25-20 home loss to the Jaguares on Sunday.

That's of no concern to Carter, though, who smiled as he broached the subject ahead of his 100th Super Rugby match.

"We like it when blokes write us off," Carter said.

"It creates that underdog... we like being in that position.Sam Carter will play his 100th Super Rugby match on Saturday. Photo: Getty Images"That's how the Brumbies have made their name over the years.

"People have come down here to prove themselves and that's going to be no different tomorrow night.

"We are going to be out there to prove ourselves again."

Carter will become just the 12th player to notch 100 caps for the Brumbies when he takes to the field on Saturday night.

It's a milestone he never thought he would reach when he made his debut seven years ago.

"I've enjoyed every single moment I've had down here and it's been a tremendous honour for me to play for this club, in particular," Carter said.Carter is confident the Brumbies can shock the Crusaders in Canberra. Photo: Getty Images"We have so much history and there have been so many great players before me."

All Carter wants as a momento to mark the occasion is a win against the high flying Crusaders - a feat he has never achieved in his time at the club.

To record the upset and snap the 35 game trans-Tasman losing streak, Carter believes the Brumbies must simplify their approach.

"I think defence, mainly, we've been focusing on keeping it simple this week," he said.

"We think we've been trying to do too much and that's why we've been so inconsistent.

"Defence, keeping it simple and doing the basics as well - that's our main focus this week."

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