Brumbies' title test against champion Bulls

The ACT Brumbies, reinforced by Wallaby stars Matt Giteau and Rocky Elsom, will prove whether they are a genuine title threat when they take on defending Super 14 champions Northern Bulls this weekend.

The two-time winners have assembled arguably the strongest playing squad in Australian provincial rugby with the recruitment of Wallaby flanker Elsom and playmaker Giteau, but they face an early moment of truth in Pretoria on Saturday. The Bulls, who smashed the Central Cheetahs 51-34 last weekend, have not lost at home since a 22-50 reverse to the Wellington Hurricanes in April 2008, and have won their last five home games against Australian teams.

But the Brumbies, opening round winners against the Western Force, look a stronger outfit this season and they have won nine of 14 previous matches against the Bulls, including three wins in South Africa.

"The Bulls at Loftus Versfeld present a significant challenge for any side in the competition," Brumbies' coach Andy Friend said. "We certainly need to be more physical in the contest and I think Rocky will help us achieve that." The Bulls will be without injured pair Jaco Pretorius and Dewald Potgieter, meaning Bulls coach Frans Ludeke will have to tamper with a winning combination.

"We have great respect for Giteau yet we will not concentrate on individuals but rather on the entire defensive structure and how we must defend as a unit," Ludeke said.

SYDNEY, Thursday (AFP)