The Queensland Reds are aiming to shatter the 20,000 crowd barrier as they prepare for a Brisbane homecoming against an ACT Brumbies outfit with a point to prove.
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The Super Rugby AU top of the table clash could go a long way towards determining who claims the minor premiership and hosting rights for this year's grand final.
It means both sides will lay it all on the line when they collide at Lang Park on Saturday night, with officials banking on a big crowd for the grand final rematch.
Rugby Australia officials had kept an eye on a spike of COVID-19 cases in Queensland which could have forced them to find a new venue for the clash.
The Reds were forced to spend last week on the road to avoid being locked down in Brisbane, while the NRL shifted two games to Sydney's Kogarah Oval to counter COVID-19 restrictions.
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But coronavirus numbers in Queensland have subsided significantly in recent days, with no new locally-acquired infections announced on Monday.
The Brumbies sit four points behind the Reds on the ladder with three rounds remaining and must win to keep their hopes of hosting the decider alive.
The tough task at hand comes after the Brumbies were found guilty of a lack of intensity that saw them narrowly escape with a two-point triumph over the winless NSW Waratahs last week.
"It'll be pretty easy to get that intensity back up there pretty quickly for the Reds," Brumbies scrumhalf Nic White said.
"Those effort areas, the desire, the want, the intent, they're things that can be changed pretty quickly in seven days and it will be when we take on the Reds, that's for sure."
The Brumbies are poised to welcome back a pair of world class front-rowers in Allan Alaalatoa and Scott Sio for a clash with the Reds.
Their returns are set to revamp the Brumbies' scrum once more. James Slipper has deputised at tighthead prop over the past fortnight, establishing his case as one of the premier props in world rugby as he impressed away from his usual position at loosehead.
On the prop front, the Brumbies are likely to keep an eye on the future of Waratah Angus Bell, whose management has been in contact with Super Rugby rivals with the rising Test-capped prospect prepared to test his value on the open market.
SUPER RUGBY AU ROUND EIGHT
Saturday: Queensland Reds v ACT Brumbies at Lang Park, 7.45pm. Broadcast: Live on Stan Sport and Gem.
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Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
