'They said it's their time': ACT Brumbies challenge Super Rugby AU favourites Queensland Reds

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar and scrumhalf Nic White have piled the pressure onto the heavily-favoured Reds ahead of the Super Rugby AU final at Lang Park on Saturday.

The Reds enter the decider having played just once in a month, while the Brumbies charge in on the back of a qualifying final win over the Western Force.

But the reigning champions are happy to wear the underdog tag having dropped two games to the Reds this year despite leading for 156 of a possible 160 minutes.

They wear it despite consistently being Australia's premier Super Rugby club, topping the domestic charts in four of the past five years.

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"I'm happy for them to be favourites. There's a feeling everyone needs them to win, wants them to win, and if we have to go up there and play the game of spoilers, we will," White said.

"There's a reason this game is being played, there are two teams out there come Saturday night. Whilst we're underdogs, that maybe frees us up a little bit to play some rugby and put them under a little bit more pressure than they already are.

"I don't think we have to give ourselves that [underdog] tag, everyone else has all year. I'm happy for them to have the favourite tag. They've said all year it's their time."

So now they step onto the big stage on home soil in front of what could be a sold-out crowd including about 50,000 Queenslanders.

The Brumbies have their backs to the wall with "just ourselves and our family to bounce off", but that suits McKellar just fine as the reigning champions look to silence the doubters.

"Everyone has spoken about Queensland all year, and rightly so. They've dropped one game, undefeated up until their last game. They're at home in front of a big crowd in Queensland," McKellar said.

"The expectation within their own group is that they win, individuals have been talking about it. Harry [Wilson], James [O'Connor] have mentioned it a number of times; it's their turn, their time to take over the lead as Australia's leading side.

"We can just fly under the radar, go about our business nice and quietly, and we look forward to going up there and giving ourselves a chance to win another competition."

SUPER RUGBY AU FINAL

Saturday: Queensland Reds v ACT Brumbies at Lang Park, 7.45pm. Broadcast: Live on Stan Sport and 9Gem. Tickets from Ticketek.

*The Brumbies are offering a package for fans including a charter flight to and from Brisbane, a ticket to the final, and one night's accommodation. Secure your seat here.

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