Fancy a free sausage roll? There will be 2600 of them for the first fans who turn up to watch the ACT Brumbies play against the Japan Sunwolves at Canberra Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
If you're not convinced, how about a gimmick to spark your Super Rugby interest? The last part of a Fairfax Media '15 for 15' series to change the negativity engulfing rugby throws up some fresh ideas to improve the game-day experience.
Join in the fun in the Brumbies crowd.
Photo: Supplied
THE BRUMBIES NEED A GIMMICK
Everyone knows the enjoyment has been sucked out of Super Rugby games in recent years. It's time to bring back some fun and get fans involved with more than just a polite pre-game applause.
We toyed with ideas involving the Man from Snowy River cracking his whip to signal kick-off or themed nights (the black-tie Brumbies or a two-man horse suit costume, for example) for different games to encourage fans to dress up and engage.
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But how can you go past the viking clap? It's been so good for the Canberra Raiders since they started it at the end of 2016 that something similar is worth a crack.
The viking clap in action at a Raiders game.
Photo: Jay Cronan
So here's the plan (and we hope the Brumbies are listening): Everyone gets a pair of horse hooves to put on their hands, and then clap in unison like a horse galloping. We'll call it "The Gallop". Rookie Brumbies hooker Connal McInerney came up with the name and we like it.
THE RISING BRUMBIES
McInerney deserves his own recognition as a reason for fans to go to the game. The Canberra junior has waited for 23 years to make his starting debut for the Brumbies and he'll get to do it at home.
Injuries have opened the door for the former Tuggeranong and Royals rake to wear the No. 2 jersey for the first time in front of the same family and friends who used to sit with him in the stands.
He's one of several Brumbies juniors – including Joe Powell and Tom Cusack – who grew up idolising players and followed his dream to the big time. But McInerney's journey hasn't been easy.
He moved to Sydney at the start of the year after fearing he had fallen off the Brumbies radar. An injury twist led him back to Canberra, driving seven-hour round trip to and from the capital with a broken window in his car.
If that's not dedication, we don't know what is.
FREE FOOD
Everyone knows going to live sport can be expensive, especially for families. That's why the Brumbies cut ticket prices and the cost of membership packages this season.
They've got another incentive to help them reach their 15,000 crowd target: free sausage rolls.
The first 2600 fans through the gates this weekend will get a sausage roll to help warm the hands before kick-off against the Sunwolves. The news gets even better – sauce is included.
The Brumbies will also offer 15 "surprise and delight" packs, random upgrade ticket options, autograph ally and fans on the field after the match.
WHEN THE BRUMBIES ARE STRONG, AUSTRALIAN RUGBY'S STRONG
A strong Brumbies side usually means a strong Wallabies side. Some of Australian rugby's greatest players were the guys who built the Brumbies from a group of rejects into Super Rugby champions.
Stephen Larkham, George Gregan, George Smith, Joe Roff, Owen Finegan … the list goes on.
The Brumbies have been a breeding ground for Wallabies since 1996 and there will be eight ACT players in the Test squad when it assembles in Brisbane next week.
The pathway will disappear if the Brumbies don't exist. Australian rugby would find a way to live on, but it wouldn't be the same.
PROVE THE DOUBTERS WRONG
The Brumbies have warned the club may cease to exist if low crowd numbers continue. Average attendances are at their lowest point in the club's history.
The Brumbies avoided the axe when Rugby Australia cut the Western Force from Super Rugby last year. Next time they might not be so lucky, especially if the numbers don't stack up.
The threat was very real last year. There were murmurs of a merger with the Melbourne Rebels, and arguments why the Brumbies should be cut first.
Imagine the outcry if the Brumbies were jettisoned before the Force. Imagine the frustration and heartache in the Canberra rugby community if the ACT side culled.
The only way to ensure it remains a nightmare instead of a reality is to start returning to the stands. The Brumbies need to do their part as well. Winning games would help and rejuvenating the game-day experience would be even better.
It's easy to sit at home and be critical. But nothing beats the high and the emotion of being at the ground for a heart-stopping win. And it all starts with buying a ticket.
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 16
Sunday: ACT Brumbies v Japan Sunwolves at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm. Tickets available from Ticketek. Fans will be allowed on to the field after the game.
* The Brumbies will donate $15,000 to charities if they reach their crowd target of 15,000. The money will be divided evenly between Lifeline Canberra, OzHarvest and Give me five for kids.
Brumbies: 15. Tom Banks, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Kyle Godwin, 11. Andy Muirhead, 10. Wharenui Hawera, 9. Joe Powell, 8. Isi Naisarani, 7. David Pocock, 6. Lachlan McCaffrey, 5. Sam Carter, 4. Blake Enever, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 2. Connal McInerney, 1. Scott Sio. Reserves: 16. Robbie Abel/Les Leuluaialii-Makin, 17. Nic Mayhew, 18. Ben Alexander, 19. Richie Arnold, 20. Tom Cusack, 21. Matt Lucas, 22. Wharenui Hawera, 23. Andrew Smith.
Chris Dutton is a sports reporter at The Canberra Times.
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