Although it is an all Aussie affair I'm quite looking forward to this match. There are some interesting match-ups all over the park: Sio vs Kepu, Mowen vs Palu, Toomua vs Foley (the key match-up in my opinion), Ashley-Cooper vs Kuridrani....
I reckon the Waratahs have an edge up front and in the loose, mainly because the Brumbies are missing Stephen Moore and David Pocock. The halves battle will be fascinating. Phipps is in good form for the Waratahs, while White is on fire for the Brumbies. Likewise both 10s are in strong form, though they do have contrasting styles. The midfield battle will likewise be very interesting. Personally I feel the Brumbies are making a mistake by not starting McCabe at 12. Lealiifano has been in good form (goal-kicking aside), but I feel McCabe would have been the ideal man to help neutralize Beale and Foley.
The Brumbies biggest weapon will undoubtedly be Henry Speight, and it will be interesting to see what the Waratahs do to combat him. Rob Horne could potentially contain Speight if he defended on the wing (as he is an outstanding defender) however the Brumbies have used him to defend in the midfield all season, with Beale defending on the wing. If they continue to use this tactic against this week they will be in big trouble in my opinion, as Beale is not going to be able to stop Speight. If they do keep Beale defending at 12 the Brumbies are sure to run Kuridrani at him all night. Beale may bring him down, but he wont enjoy it, and it may drain Beale's energy.
The Waratahs biggest weapon is Israel Folau. The best (only?) way for the Brumbies to stop him is to prevent him getting the ball in space.
Though the Waratahs will obviously start at clear favourites I'm going to pick the Brumbies to pull off the upset. I feel the halves combination of White and Toomua are better suited to knock-out rugby, I think the Waratahs will struggle to contain Henry Speight, and the Brumbies backs reserves (McCabe and Tomane) are sure to make an impact. I'm picking the Brumbies by 5 (but will probably be completely wrong!).