Brumbies suffer Pete Samu setback ahead of semi-final against Jaguares

Brumbies have been dealt a severe blow ahead of their Super Rugby semi-final game against Jaguares at Jose Amalfitani Stadium with number eight Pete Samu ruled out of the encounter with an injury.

The 27-year-old made a significant contribution in Brumbies’ quarter-final win over Sharks last weekend but was replaced at the start of the second half with a hamstring strain.

Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar said they were unwilling to risk Samu and is hoping for his replacement to replicate the Australian international’s stellar performance from the quarter-final when they take on Jaguares next Friday.

“Pete’s played such a big role in getting us to where we are,” McKellar said. “I know we’ve got a little bit of depth in the back-row and someone will step up to do a job.

“But players want to be playing at this time of year and (Samu) deserves to be.”

McKellar also added that the team is excited about playing their first semi-final since 2015.

They’re incredibly special – I have never seen a tighter group of footballers. We spoke about that again before the game. There is a special feel and you don’t get that very often within a football team.

“And when you do have it you have to take advantage of it, and cash in. We are in that position at the moment.

“We have confidence, we have belief, we have a group of blokes who love playing footy together, who love wearing the jersey and representing our people.

“And when you have that, special things can happen. We’re excited about next Friday night and what lies ahead.”