Will Miller's ACT Brumbies aim to starve Chiefs' excitement machines

The ACT Brumbies, featuring Berry's Will Miller, will be aiming to end a six-year New Zealand curse when they fly to Auckland on Thursday morning and then catch the bus to Hamilton.

They haven't won a game across the Tasman since 2014 and they haven't beaten the Chiefs in Hamilton since 2007.

The Brumbies thumped the Chiefs in Canberra last year, but since then they've recruited former Wales and British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland and lured Aaron Cruden back.

Cruden's return has given Damian McKenzie more freedom and the Chiefs have rocketed to an unbeaten start, scoring 105 points in three games to be the competition's most dangerous attacking team.

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The Chiefs are ranked as the No. 1 team for points and tries per game and are the best team at forcing turnovers.

The Brumbies have scored the second most tries, but winger Andy Muirhead says they're keen to avoid a shootout on the road.

"One week we might concentrate on mauls, other weeks we look to go wide. We've got confidence to do both," Muirhead said.

"Coming up against the Chiefs, you don't want to give them too much possession. You want to limit your mistakes.

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"As long as our skills are up and we back where we want to play on the field, I think we'll be in a good head space to win a game."

Tom Cusack (concussion) has been ruled out for at least one more week, which should present Miller with another opportunity in the run-on side - while the Brumbies are still battling a virus sweeping through the squad.

Muirhead is in contention for a starting role after some players were told not to attend training this week.

He has played every game so far, but has averaged just 23 minutes from the bench.

It's a role he has become familiar with since breaking into Super Rugby three years ago and he's determined to take his chance if called on.

"The dynamic is different when you're off the bench," Muirhead said.

"The more minutes I get, the better I feel."