McKellar backs Brumbies to upset Chiefs

The Australian conference leaders are winless in Hamilton since 2007 and haven't posted a victory anywhere in New Zealand since 2014.

The Brumbies lost a heartbreaker after the siren last week against the Highlanders and have only beaten Kiwi opposition three times since in the past four years.

But they thrashed the Chiefs 54-17 in Canberra last season and despite a mumps outbreak derailing their preparation this week, McKellar is confident of an upset.

"They've got a fair bit of talent there but we've got a good side as well," McKellar said.

"We had some tough circumstances last week. We were 20 seconds away for a famous win for our club, it was real backs to the wall.

"There was certainly disappointment after the game and frustration around a few decisions.

"That's rugby and we've moved on.

"We've got full confidence and belief in our own ability as well.

"We've come over here to do a job."

Warren Gatland was last at the Chiefs in 2007 before coaching Wales to four Six Nations titles in 12 years and he'll lead the British and Irish Lions on their tour of South Africa in 2021.

McKellar said the Chiefs have been quality for a long time but admitted Gatland has had an immediate impact on his return to Hamilton this season.

"There's been quality at the Chiefs for years and years, long before Warren arrived back there but he's obviously had a positive impact on them, no doubt," McKellar said.

"They rolled the three-times champions (Crusaders) a couple of weeks ago so you have to respect them."

Brumbies hooker Connal McInerney will start with last week's hat-trick hero Folau Faingaa rested, while winger Andy Muirhead also gets his first run-on of the season together with centre Irae Simone who returns from sickness.

Australian Associated Press