Brumbies upbeat about semi-final clash against Blues

Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa says his team is upbeat about chances in the Super Rugby Pacific semi-final against Blues at Eden Park despite not winning a knock out game in New Zealand in the last two years.

Having suffered a 19-6 defeat to Chiefs last year in Hamilton, Brumbies also were edged away with a 19-20 margin against the Blues in 2022.

"Last year and the year before were probably the first time the boys have been over to New Zealand, playing in the finals and experiencing what it's like to play at Eden Park," he said.

"Having the experience of playing semi-finals over there is going to be massive for us."

The last time they faced Blues at Eden Park was in April in which the New Zealand side scored seven tries as they sealed a 46-7 victory. They now have an opportunity to become the first Australian club to register a win in a knock out game in New Zealand soil and Alaalatoa said they need to learn their lesson from the previous defeat.

"That was a tough lesson," Alaalatoa said.

"So we know that's coming, but we also know more importantly what we're going to bring."