The Brumbies joined the competition late and were initially a team cobbled together from discards and players in the Australian Capital Territories, wherever those are...  Many expected them to fail but they didn’t, in fact they are one of the most successful sides in the history of the competition and have produced some of the best players Australia has ever seen.  George Gregan and Stephan Larkham dominated the 9 /10 axis at the Brumbies and Wallabies for years until they both moved on to the big end of career payday in the Northern Hemisphere.  Other players like Matt Giteau, George Smith, Joe Roff and Rod Kafer also spring to mind.

In recent years the Brumbies have fallen behind the Waratahs and perhaps the exciting Reds in the Aussie pecking order and will be looking to change that in 2011.

The 2011 squad is one legend lighter with the departure of the brilliant George Smith to pastures greener but is still pretty impressive.  Wallabies Ben Alexander and Stephen Moore make up the axis of the front row, Mark Chisolm and Ben Hand anchor the lineout from lock.  They are lead by real warriors in Rocky Elsom and the hard working Stephen Hoiles.  These icons are complimented by a group of young exciting players who will be out to make their mark in the new competition.

At the back there is plenty of speed and talent.  Matt Giteau is playing possibly his last season for the Canberra based side and will be looking to make it a big one with the world cup looming and Berrick Barnes standing directly in his way.  Outside him he has the indomitable and double barrelled named Adam Ashley Cooper who has staked his claim for the Wallabies number 13 jersey with aplomb in the absence of Stirling Mortlock.  Other guys to watch are Tyrone Smith, Matt Toomua, Christian Lealilfano and Pat McCabe.

In truth the 2011 squad isn’t quite as impressive as some of the other Aussie sides, or as that of Brumbies sides of old but you write the Brumbies off at your peril.  They play clever rugby and are a match for any other side in the competition.

The top three sides in the Aussie conference are very evenly matched and with the Rebels showing some unexpected good form in pre-season one can only imagine the kind of fireworks the Aussie fans will be treated to in their local derbies.