Brumbies

Even just six weeks into the season, the game in Canberra tomorrow feels like it carries greater significance than most.

The Chiefs playing the Brumbies in Hamilton on August 6 ... it has to be a possibility.

A dominant Brumbies scrum shoved the Waratahs pack over the line for a penalty try in the 68th minute to set up the win before replacement back Nigel Ah Wong added a last-minute try to blow out the scoreline at Canberra Stadium.

Last year's Super Rugby finalists were decidedly second-rate in being beaten 52-10 by the Brumbies at GIO Stadium.

Yes the Brumbies are a fine side and, no, it wouldn't be a shock if they emerged as the best of Australia's franchises this season. But the Hurricanes are meant to be a good team too and their loyal fans would've been entitled to expect more from the team in their first match of 2016.