By haydenl
March 27th 2008 @ 9:38am
Loading ...The ARU should thank the Brumbies for their injuries
Has the recent spate of injuries in the Brumbies camp actually been the greatest thing to happen to the ARU this year?
When Stirling Mortlock joined the massive list of injured Brumbies, which included many former Wallabies, most pundits predicted their rapid demise and a change in game plan.
Why wouldn’t Laurie Fisher revert to his strong Wallaby-laden pack? Surely Chisholm, Wallace-Harrison, Smith, Hoiles and company could carry the team forward.
But to everyone’s surprise and delight (except for the Reds), the Baby Brumbies’ backline took the ball and did everything Ewen McKenzie would have told them not to - they backed their natural ability and had a crack.
Now, the most exciting free running rugby in Australia is being played by a bunch of 18 year-olds against the High Veldt giants of the South African teams.
Tyrone Smith and Afeaki in the centres have been fantastic, making numerous breaks and smashing opponents in good driving tackles.
Although the lack of experience shows and they need some composure every now and then, they have showed the ARU that there is real depth in Australian rugby.
Lealifaano has displayed maturity at number 10 and has lead well by not overplaying his hand, proving to be much more consistent than his more vaunted interstate counterparts. And even Josh Holmes has had his moments.
While the Force are easily the slickest and most polished Australian team, the Brumbies are playing natural footy and the supporters are loving it.
I would much rather watch the Brumbies play and lose than watch the Waratahs play their mindless, plodding game and win.
Laurie Fisher should be applauded for supporting his young stars, for showing us that Australian teams can play good rugby, and for hinting that the future is bright.
My very early call for rookie of the year goes to Tom Hockings of the Force. He has been fantastic in the second row for a very young tight five player. He is definitely one to watch and a probable Wallaby squad member if Deans goes for youth.
Pek Cowan has come on in leaps and bounds and has shown an energy at prop that puts Dunning, Blake and Baxter to shame. His counter-rucking has been awesome.
Also, can Greg Crowden stop choosing Sekope Kepu in his team of the week please? Every time he does, McKenzie drops the young big man to the bench.
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(4)
Phil Coorey said | March 27th 2008 @ 12:17pm | Report comment
“Although the lack of experience shows and they need some composure every now and then, they have showed the ARU that there is real depth in Australian rugby.”
Quite evident against the Waratahs - a game they should have won.
Nice article
mudskipper said | March 27th 2008 @ 1:38pm | Report comment
In 2008 Laurie Fisher has put his own Coaching position on the line and backed the young Brumbies… Last year the Brumbies won more games than other semi-final teams but didn’t score enough points and bonus points to make the semis
If you’re not familiar with the Brumbies supporters culture, they exceedingly proud of their teams achievements and sincerely anticipate to make the semis each year… The Brumbies are a resounding representation the great Australian disposition “punch above your weight”. So the last 2 years have tested the supporters’ loyalty to the Coaching team after Nucifora’s departure.
Like McKenzie’s situation today, there have been plenty of individuals beginning to call for Laurie Fisher’s job if the Brumbies didn’t play their famous running rugby and make the semis in 2008… But no one could have foreseen the vast challenges ahead in 2008. To Fisher’s credit and nerve, he with the coaching team has effectively prepared and backed the young talent each week…and the team has responded even with the severe health concerns for senior team mate Julian Huxley.
Some of these youngsters were on only a $10,000 academy development contracts for this season. The Brumbies have always signed well and instil a cultural belief to challenge and expect success. Their stocks are not yet depleted at this time we are still waiting to see Peter Betham Australian under 21s fullback take the field as he has not been available due to a foot injury.
It will be good to see Mortlock and Ashley Cooper back in week 8 against an improving Chiefs team, and further more to add leadership.
2008 for the Brumbies will be remembered as a year of adversities and how the Brumbies culture stood up to the challenge. Well done boys, I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.
The ARU should seriously consider Laurie Fisher to replace Pat Howard as ARU high-performance manager. He continues to improve players’ confidence and abilities.
Terry Kidd said | March 28th 2008 @ 9:23am | Report comment
“I would much rather watch the Brumbies play and lose than watch the Waratahs play their mindless, plodding game and win.” ….. I absolutely agree with this statement. The young Brumbies back line is having a go and playing the ELVs very very well considering the level of maturity. In contrast the Waratahs team seems mired in a conservative, do not lose, never back yourself, bash and barge type game plan where they seem to have forgotten that the ball moves faster than the quickest player and intelligent use of the ball plus speed will break every defence.
When I watch the Brumbies I know that it will be entertaining regardless of the outcome, when I watch the Waratahs I am not entertained and I wait in vain for some enterprising rugby. There is the difference.
The Link said | March 28th 2008 @ 10:45pm | Report comment
Please gents lets not get carried away with the Brumbies ‘culture’. This article reeks of 5-10 years ago when Macqueen and Jones shaped Aus Rugby ‘culture’ from Canberra, that is, you’re living in the past. You really can’t say that Fisher is a coaching genius with the Brumies not making the Semis since 04. Three years is a long time in Rugby. Wake up fellas, the Wallabies under Deans will consist primarily of Tahs forwards and Force Backs plus maye Gerrard, Smith, AAC and Mortlock this year.
The Brumbies have some big games coming up, notably Blues, Sharks, Stormers and Force. If they loose all 4 (likely) then Fisher can kiss his grey beard and long locks goodbye, just like my namesake at the end of 08
I don’t think beating the Cheetahs by 6 points last week is anything to crow about, geez the Tahs only beat them by 4 tonight…. Tahs work in progress, Brumbies, work to be commenced