VENUE & TIME: Aussie Stadium - Saturday - 19:35 AEST
COVERAGE: Fox Sports
LAST TIME: Brumbies 48-21 - Canberra

WALKING WOUNDED
The Brumbies haven't had the best week of preparation. Hooker Jeremy Paul's recovery from an ankle injury has stalled causing a few headaches. Replacement Adam Freier underwent surgery on his right ankle and is expected to miss the rest of the Super 12 season. Flanker Owen Finegan found himself on a drip in hospital earlier in the week after a knee infection flared. And lock Justin Harrison also missed training this week with a pinched knee cartilage.
The Waratahs are unchanged with lock Tom Bowman retaining his place ahead of Jono West, who returns from suspension. Winger Marc Stcherbina copped a fractured cheekbone when he discovered how hard team-mate Phil Waugh's head is against the Highlanders, but is expected to play. As is fellow winger Scott Staniforth who was in doubt with a knee injury.

FORM
It's not often the Brumbies lose successive games, but after losses to the Crusaders and the Hurricanes they head into Saturday's game against the Waratahs chasing a very rare three successive losses. The Brumbies had all the running against the Hurricanes, but for once their normally slick attack misfired and there was no way through the opposition.
The Waratahs are sitting pretty in second spot on the ladder after scoring four tries against one of the best defensive teams in the competition.

WHO'S HOT
Waratahs fullback Matt Rogers continues to impress with a brilliant game against the Highlanders and if people had bets on who would win Wallaby selection first - Rogers or Sailor - then those on Rogers should be smiling.
Outside-centre Stirling Mortlock was the only one making consistent yards for the Brumbies against the Hurricanes in another top performance.

KEY MATCH-UPS
Matt Burke v Stirling Mortlock - These two are in a ripper three-way battle for the Wallaby outside-centre position with incumbent Daniel Herbert. And considering their importance as kickers, head-to-head match-ups don't come quite as big as this one.
Jeremy Paul v Brendan Cannon - Paul is making up for lost ground after injury during the Lions series last year and wants his Wallaby jersey back from Cannon.

George Smith v Phil Waugh - These two will run around until the cows come home and their work at the breakdown is a delight to watch.

WOULDN'T LIKE TO SEE
Interstate tensions restrict the players from playing with their usual flare.

WE THINK
In AFL speak, this is a blockbuster. A sell-out at Aussie Stadium ensures an Australian record Super 12 crowd to watch the two most attacking sides in the tournament go head to head. Of course, there's also interstate rivalries, Wallaby spots up for grabs and the chance to just about secure a home semi-final. This is a treat for the fans. Brumbies by 7.