The Brumbies are already through to the Super Rugby finals but captain Christian Lealiifano says they have one more job they’re keen to tick off before the playoffs begin.
With the Australian conference title sewn up, the Brumbies are already guaranteed a home quarter-final next week but Lealiifano said they were out for some vengeance against Queensland on Saturday night.
The Brumbies have in recent weeks pointed to a disappointing loss to the Reds midway through the season as a turning point for them and Lelaiifano said they were keen to even the ledger.
“That's nice to know the finals berth is secure but for us it's about continually every week, continue to improve our game and we owe Queensland one - they got us up there and we weren't happy about that performance as well up there,” he said.
“We understand I guess how important this game is for us and we've just got to play that way as well.”
The Brumbies are in the midst of their longest winning streak in 12 years, a five-game run, and they haven’t lost at home since round one either.
Coach Dan McKellar opted to rest Tom Cusack and Toni Pulu from the clash and Lealiifano said he was happy to see some newer faces with the chance to stand up against the Reds.
“It's been nice to give some guys an opportunity and guys that have really stepped up throughout the year when they've been called upon,” he said.
“It's just reward for them I think to be able to get another opportunity to run out here at home against quality opposition.
“It's not just resting guys and giving other guys `a go - these guys have deserved their chance.
“I'm really happy with the changes he's made so be nice to see those guys run around tomorrow.”
There is a bit of extra significance for the Brumbies in Saturday’s game as well with the side wearing a specially-designed Pasifika jersey for the match.
“We had a Pasifika day earlier in the year and the way that our club and our squad celebrated that and really got to embrace the culture of the Pacific Islanders was really, really special to our club," Lealiifano said.
“It's something we're really chuffed about tomorrow, being able to wear this kind of jersey and celebrate that.”
The Brumbies take on the Reds at GIO Stadium on Saturday June 15, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Kayo and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
