The Brumbies will be looking to banish the memories of last year's semi‑final loss when they host the Hurricanes.
Well beaten by 29 points to 9 in Wellington, the Brumbies saw their 2015 challenge come to a close last June as the Hurricanes marched on.
The Brumbies are once again looking like challengers for the crown and in many respects they are where the 'Canes were at this point last year, with Brumbies stalwarts poised to move on at the end of the campaign. They are Matt Toomua (Leicester Tigers) and David Pocock.
For the Hurricanes, backing their 2015 performance and then going one better in 2016 without the services of Ben Franks, Jeremy Thrush, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith is now the task ahead and there are few reasons to think they can't do it, as head coach Chris Boyd has players at their peak who can unlock defences at will.
The Hurricanes meet the Brumbies at 8.40 tonight.
