IT’S one of the biggest Australian rugby clashes of the past decade.
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Tomorrow night the ACT Brumbies head to Sydney’s Allianz Stadium to face the NSW Waratahs for a spot in the Super Rugby grand final.
It’ll be the first time the two rivals have played in a sudden death play-off game in 12 years, since the Brumbies thumped the Tahs 51-10 in 2002.
But as the excitement builds for the do-or-die match, a question lingers…who is Goulburn barracking for? Or rightfully… Who should Goulburn barrack for? We’re the oldest country rugby team in Australia. For years we’ve played in NSW, until allegiances to the closer ACT competition gave birth to a new breed of Brumby-hearted supporters.
Our rugby greats in Simon Poidevin and Peter Lucas all played for the Tahs during their Wallaby careers, but ask any youngster about Wallaby greats and they’ll more then likely rattle off a list of glory day Brumby players.
The obvious argument is that as part of NSW, Goulburn is aligned to the Tahs.
But the why are people barracking for big brother just up the federal hwy?
There is no denying there is support for both.
Each club has been made an effort for the hearts and minds of local Goulburnians.
It was just earlier this year that the Tahs held a regional fan day at the Workers Arena.
Tahs coach Michael Cheika told the Post at the time that his friend Simon Poidevin wouldn’t agree with Goulburn’s allegiances any other way. “If you’re in NSW you support NSW,” he said.
But the Brumbies are also a presence in town. They regularly hold junior training clinics. One was held as recently as this month.
For local footy girls and rugby fanatics, Liz Clarke and Kelly Anable, their friendship will turn to rivalry come tomorrow night.
Liz is a true blue Waratahs lover is adamant Goulburn only bleeds one colour - blue.
“We’re part of NSW and that means we’re supporting the NSW Waratahs who are going to win. We also have an Israel Folou and a Kurtley Beale,” she said.
Kelly, a Brumby hearted supporter argues: “Goulburn is so much closer to Canberra then anywhere else in NSW. All the Goulburn rugby teams are affiliated with ACT rugby and the Brumbies. The Brumbies do a lot for us as Goulburn rugby and I think we should support them back.”
The Post wants to know who you support. Does Goulburn have the heart of a wild Brumby or are we a Waratah Blue? Tell us on our website goulburnpost.com.au.
