Brumbies coach Jake White says it's an enormous bonus to go into Saturday's Super Rugby final with exactly the same team he's named throughout the play-off series.
White on Friday named an unchanged side for the third straight week as the Brumbies prepare to face the defending champion Chiefs in the title decider in Hamilton.
The rugby gods are smiling down on the ACT franchise who, despite travelling to four different time zones in as many weeks, have managed to steer clear of any injuries through a home qualifying final against the Cheetahs and a semi-final against the Bulls in Pretoria.
"It's such a tough comp that when you can get the same side running out week-in, week-out, then it's obviously a massive bonus," White said.
"Not only because everyone wants to be involved in the final, I just think it gives us confidence, especially for this young group of players, if we can keep the same starting 15 and bench."
It's the first time White has been able to name an unchanged 22 three weeks straight since he took over the coaching reins two and a half years ago.
Remarkably, not one player even required a late fitness test during the Brumbies' captain's run on Friday.
"We pulled up quite nicely after the Bulls encounter," White said.
"Obviously it was bruising, much like the Crusaders v Chiefs (semi-final) clash was.
"But everyone is fit and available and ready to go."
It's the Brumbies sixth appearance in a Super Rugby final, with George Smith - in his club-record 142nd and last game for the Brumbies - equalling fellow Wallaby greats George Gregan and Stephen Larkham, who hold the club record of five championship matches.
The Chiefs have also named an unchanged team after beating the Crusaders 20-19 last weekend, with dynamic winger Lelia Masaga to undergo a fitness test on Friday.
Brumbies: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Clyde Rathbone, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ben Mowen (capt), George Smith, Peter Kimlin, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio. Res: Siliva Siliva, Ruan Smith, Fotu Auelua, Colby Faingaa, Ian Prior, Andrew Smith, Joe Tomane.
Chiefs: Gareth Anscombe, Lelia Masaga/Robbie Robinson, Charlie Ngatai, Andrew Horrell, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Matt Vant Leven, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (capt), Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith. Res: Rhys Marshall, Ben Afeaki, Michael Fitzgerald, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Bundee Aki, Robbie Robinson/Patrick Osborne.
