Rugby: Brumbies hope to contain flying Folau

Israel Folau is the Waratah's try-scoring machine. Photo / Getty Images

Stop the Waratahs' forward pack and you'll stifle try-scoring machine Israel Folau.

The Brumbies might be outnumbered two to one by their grudge rivals in forwards with test experience but, in a case of never outgunned, the ACT Super Rugby franchise will launch an all-out assault up front.

It's only fitting that a match featuring 15 test forwards and 13 Wallabies backs will give either side an early lead in the Australian conference.

And while Wallabies stars will be strewn across the paddock, Brumbies forwards Scott Fardy and Ben Alexander have little doubt on where the match in Canberra come Saturday night will be won.

"They [backs] might think they win the games but it's always won at the breakdown and the set piece," Fardy said. "That's definitely where this will be decided."

Including replacements, the Waratahs pack features a whopping 10 players with international experience. That includes the well-balanced all-Wallabies back row of Michael Hooper, Wycliff Palu and Dave Dennis. There's also South African international Jacques Potgieter and Wallaby Kane Douglas locking down in the second row.

And then, just to top it off, they have four Wallabies front-rowers, as well as comeback king Stephen Hoiles on the bench.

The Brumbies pack on the other hand has just five forwards boasting test experience.

Test prop Alexander admits that his side will have their hands full against the undefeated Waratahs, who have also had the luxury of a bye in the lead-up.

"The first two games they've played, the work rate of their pack has been outstanding," he said.

However just like Fardy, Alexander believes that if his side can get on top of the Tahs up front, they'll limit the damage of Folau, who has scored five tries in the Waratahs' first two games this season.

- AAP