History is against the Brumbies but Noah Lolesio believes ACT have what it takes to end 11 years of Super Rugby semi final heartache against the Chiefs on Saturday.
Excluding the COVID-affected Super Rugby AU seasons of 2020 and 2021, ACT have lost their past six semi finals dating back to 2014.
Watch the SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific semi finals live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
While ACT fans may fondly recall Tevita Kuridrani's 2013 heroics in a 26-23 win over the Bulls, success has since eluded the Brumbies across a string of away losses to the Waratahs (2014) Hurricanes (2015), Jaguares (2019), Blues (2022 & 2024) and Chiefs (2023).
Lolesio, who impressed in ACT's 35-28 qualifying final win over the Hurricanes, has not-so-fond memories of their past three semi final defeats but told reporters on Monday his side would continue to "back their systems" against the minor premiers.
"Over the last four years we’ve gone over there and haven’t been successful [but] nothing really changes for us in how we play our game right now," Lolesio said.
"What we know is that our game works - it’s very effective and efficient - so I think we just have to back our systems in place and our game plan.
"If everyone just does their job to the best of their ability, hopefully we put ourselves in a good position to get a good result.
The Brumbies haven't faced the Chiefs since falling short 49-34 in Round 3, though that score hardly reflects what was a hard-fought contest.
ACT trailed by just five points in the 75th minute before a late surge from the hosts while the Blues' 20-19 defeat of the Chiefs last week has provided a blueprint to beating the minor premiers.
"It shows that if you show up physically with the right mindset, you put yourself in a good position to win," Lolesio said.
"That‘s where our minds are at as a team. We know as backs and forwards it’s going to be a real physical battle so you know we’re going to have to roll up the sleeves.
"Night game, it’ll be a bit wet and dewy, so it’ll be a pretty tough game up front … especially over there in Hamilton. The crowd get behind them, the cowbells come out. It’s a really awesome atmosphere and it’s great challenge for us as well."
There's no shortage of motivation for Lolesio in the semi final arena - if anything, the 25-year-old may have an excess.
Lolesio will farewell the Brumbies for Japan ahead of next year's Super Rugby Pacific season and would be desperate to end his side's semi-final hoodoo before departing Canberra.
Meanwhile victory in Hamilton could also see ACT host their first grand final since 2004, should the reigning champions Blues upset James O'Connor's second-placed Crusaders on Friday night.
"I’ve heard people speaking about a potential home grand final but at the moment the team’s mindset is putting everything into this weekend over in Hamilton," Lolesio said.
"I’m giving everything into this game and this weekend if selected. Knowing that potentially it could be my last – I’m not going to leave any stone unturned in that regard.
"I still want to do it for myself but [also] for this special organisation that have been so good to me every since I came to Canberra as a 17-year-old.
"If you look at my game from when I first debuted to where my game’s at now, I think I've taken huge strides more as a game manage than anything else.
"Don’t want to think to far ahead as I might get emotional but I definitely be putting everything into this weekend ... The last 3-4 years have led up to this moment and myself, I can’t wait."
