Can new look Brumbies win the 2010 Super 14?
Roar Pro
By mudskipper, 19 Jan 2010 The Crowd is a Roar Pro
- Tagged:
- Brumbies, Justin Harrison, Matt Giteau, Rugby Union, wallabies
The Brumbies have spent several years rejuvenating a team, while patiently waiting for the return of Matt Giteau to the squad.
Matt Giteau returned to the Brumbies yesterday after three years in the shadows of the Western Force, as the last of the Brumbies Wallabies – Rocky Elsom, Adam Ashley-Cooper, George Smith – united with the player group at Brumbies HQ Griffith Canberra.
The enthusiasm of their team couldn’t be disputed as they starting focusing on the 2010 Super 14 championship. Matt Giteau looked extremely pleased to be back at his home province, where it all started.
Coach Andy Friend named the team’s leadership group of inside back Matt Giteau, international veteran lock Justin Harrison, fellow forwards Stephen Moore and Mitchell Chapman, and last season’s skipper, Stephen Hoiles.
Giteau has spent the last two years at fly-half at the Force, after initially establishing himself at inside centre, playing along side flyhalf Steve Larkham.
“I’m happy to play fly half, inside centre, fullback, wherever the team needs me,” said Giteau. “But whichever position I’m chosen (in) I’d like to stick there for the whole season, depending on form.”
The question is: can the Brumbies win their third championship in 2010.
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- Explore:
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Bay35Pablo said | January 19th 2010 @ 7:34am | Report comment
Giteau wasn’t the problem, it was Fisher IMO. he didn’t seem to be able to get the best out of a decently talented playing group even without Giteau (who was hardly hiding his light under a bushel at the Force).
With Andy Friend now having a year under his belt, and Gits, Esom, Moore all on board, they will be disappointed if they don’t make the finals.
Hopefully the pressure will now be on the Burmmies and we tahs can get back to be the dark horses (pun intended) and sneak into the finals..
Rusty said | January 19th 2010 @ 8:24am | Report comment
I would hardly say he was hiding his light – it was Giteaus form that helped the Force to an australian grand slam. If anything at times he burnt so bright he appeared to be the only player on the pitch. If anything the focus on him might diminish a bit as he wont be the only star on the pitch
andrew said | January 19th 2010 @ 8:06am | Report comment
Can someone clarify for me, is Justin Harrison playing?
Also, is someone with such a chequered past a good choice for the leadership group?
Chris said | January 19th 2010 @ 8:36am | Report comment
Harrison is definitely playing. As for the second – I guess we will see soon. Personally I’d say it will be a good thing, hes got one shot at redemption and he sure knows it.
Simon said | January 19th 2010 @ 10:57am | Report comment
Australian rugby has been lacking a real leader in lineout since the exit of Vickerman. Not saying he is any chance of progressing past the Brumbies but if he can have any impact on the set pieces in particular the lineout, the backline the Brumbies can possibly field is going to have the best opportuinity to fire.
Plus he is a good personality to have arround the game.
True Tah said | January 20th 2010 @ 4:38pm | Report comment
I would have thought Elsom would have been a shoein for head of the leadership group.
Harrison has a few black marks against his name, and to be frank, I have never really rated him as a world class lock. He took that lineout against the Lions in 2001, but I would never put in the class of Vickermann, Matfield, Martin Johnson, John Eales.
Rockin Rod said | January 22nd 2010 @ 12:39pm | Report comment
He is palying but wont be starting. They love Benny Hand, he started all 13 Super 14 games last year and will company Chisolm. Mitch Chapman will cover on the bench as Rocky took his spot.
ballboy said | January 19th 2010 @ 8:08am | Report comment
There is a real sense of determination amongst the Brumbies this year. Last year they had an okay season but lost a couple of games they should have won and it cost them dearly at the business end of the season. TThey also showed with success last year that they backed themselves to win when behind on more than one occasion. From what I’ve read I think that B35P is right on the money. Fisher was a large part of the problem for the past few years. Andy Friend has managed to not only retain a lot of their fringe players which gives the Brumbies great depth this year, but he has attracted the likes of Gits, Elsom, Valentine and Harrison to the Capital. On paper they look a real threat. You’d have to think with the experience of 3 ex-Wallaby captains as well as the likes of Giteau, Moore, AAC and Valentine they should be able to follow the game plan and handle the pressure. The right game plan then becomes the question. Does Friend have what it takes to snuff out / hold out the opposition?
They need to score more tries – their lack of bonus points last year did them no favours. With the exception of the Reds who have a great looking backline (provided Cooper isn’t playing hide the salami in goal – what’s happening there?) they must use their backline more. Last year Friendy was quoted as saying they were thinking of playing a style which attacked the kicking game of others by dropping more players back for the kick and running at the opposition with 4-6 players instead of the usual 2 with a roost down field. They need to play Giteau in the right position – 12. I’m still of the belief the Mortlock is just as big a threat at 11/14 as he is at 13 but the mail on that is that he’ll play at 13. Smith on the bench which is a handy replacement. Lots of speed on the wings and AAC chiming in – exciting stuff.
But we all know that games are won and lost in the forwards. Their front row has taken a shalacking in the past few weeks but again their depth is still going to put a decent front row on the park for the first game. Once they get Shepardson and Alexander back with Moore they’ll be hard to get on top of. Their second row is going to be severely tested but having the best back row in the competition is going to give them a lot of go forward. Elsom and Hoiles also give them two more lineout options which should solve a few problems.
So – yes, they have the team to win it this year. More importantly, they seem to have the self belief that they can win it this year. Go the Brumbies
Chris said | January 19th 2010 @ 8:47am | Report comment
In a best case scenario I would have Giteau at 12 – that is probably his best position.
However the Brumbies will play him at 10 for three reasons:
a) They already have a very solid 12 in Tyrone Smith.
b) What they don’t have is a good 10 (Lealiifano was shocking last year, apart from the odd moment of brilliance!, and the less that is said about Toomua at the end of last season the better). Perhaps in 2011 Toomua will be good enough to play at 10.
c) They will be wanting to maintain the link between Valentine and Giteau at 9/10.
From what I have been reading between the lines it looks like Lealiifano will be a utility back this year (which is probably good until they find the right position for his undoubted skills). In fact I wouldn’t be very surprised to see the following backline: 9. Valentine 10. Giteau 11. Fanifo 12. Smith 13. AAC 14. Mortlock 15. Lealiifano
Of course the more likely backline is: 9. Valentine 10. Giteau 11. Fanifo 12. Smith 13. Mortlock 14. Mafi 15. AAC.
I guess we will know in just a few weeks anyway.
Darwin hammer said | January 19th 2010 @ 9:01am | Report comment
“best back row in the competition” … really ? … think there’ll be plenty to disagree with that statement – Smith looks to be fading, Elsom has hardly set the world alight since his return from up north and holies is a journeyman …
… can they win it – no … can they make the play offs – certainly – but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Aussie teams don’t get a team into the top 4 again this year
Chris said | January 19th 2010 @ 11:47am | Report comment
Smith isn’t fading – Pocock is just improving. I’d say Smith is still the second best 7 in the world (after McCaw). You don’t become the most capped forward of all time unless you are a bloody good player. Smith is still a bloody good player – and won’t start fading for a couple of years yet given he is still in his twenties. Elsom is more or less universally accepted as the best 6 in the world (even player of the decade Brian O’Driscoll has said that Elsom is the best player he has ever played with our against – you don’t get praise any higher than that). Hoiles has a hell of a lot of go forward and a great running game.
In all it is a back three that would look damn good at test level, let alone S14.
With Mortlock (still one of the best backs in rugby when not injured), Giteau (the only Australian named in the recent “Team of the Decade), AAC (the best utility back in the world and only behind Kearney and Muliaini as best fullback), an all Wallaby pack (not to mention two of the Wallabies present starting front row) as well as up and coming talent like Fanifo, Toomua and Tyrone Smith the Brumbies would have to be a near certainty of playing semis. 2009 will be a two horse (and one Bull) race.
Crusaders will probably end up winning (Carter back and McCaw playing more games) and the Bulls will still be very strong (alltough weaker than last year without Habana).
Rin said | January 19th 2010 @ 12:00pm | Report comment
I agree Brumbies are a good chance, not many weaknesses in team, but Rocky best 6 of the decade, is laughable, he wouldnt make my top 5 6′s, of the SH ones i would put at least Collins and Burger way ahead of him.
Robbie said | January 19th 2010 @ 1:40pm | Report comment
He didn’t say he was the best 6 in the decade.
mudskipper said | January 19th 2010 @ 7:50pm | Report comment
Hold on guys… George Smith is a world-class 7 and moreover is a complete rugby player… Young Dave Pocock is a good fetcher however is not so good with ball in hand or setting up an attack play…
Rockin Rod said | January 22nd 2010 @ 12:41pm | Report comment
not even the best back row in australia
That would go to The Force, Pocock, Brown and Hodgson
ballboy said | January 19th 2010 @ 8:12am | Report comment
Harrison is playing – well, he’s in the squad. He has had a chequered past. He’s also had a previous coaching relatinship with Friend from what I remember. Fagan and Friend have thrown him a huge lifeline and he has vowed to pay them back in kind. Time will tell whether this was a smart decision or not but methinks Harrison will return the favour with blood and sweat on the paddock.
Andrew Logan said | January 19th 2010 @ 8:14am | Report comment
Justin Harrison is definitely playing. As you will recall from last year the Brumbies had several injuries and also lost Shawn Mackay, so their second row stocks are well down.
Harrison has had a few hiccups, so you could argue that he is playing for his reputation this year. Most players on the verge of retirement don’t have anything left to prove. Harrison by contrast has a lot to prove – he has to prove his commitment; his ability; that he is not just at the Brumbies for his super; and also that he can keep pace with Elsom, Smith, Moore, Hoiles et al.
Given his vast experience, and where he is at in his career, I think he is an excellent choice for the leadership group. Often that responsibility brings out the best in people.
formeropenside said | January 19th 2010 @ 8:41am | Report comment
“where he is at in his career” – what, you mean returning from a drugs ban?
Comrade Bear said | January 19th 2010 @ 11:42am | Report comment
Ha ha – Sniffing the try line / sniffing a line of coke – all just white line fever isn’t it?
Tradegen said | January 19th 2010 @ 8:53am | Report comment
The Brumbies are certainly shaping as one of the favourites to win this years title. I am expecting some of Brumbies players such as Francis Fanifo to step up this year and be a potential for the Wallabies.
The Link said | January 19th 2010 @ 9:35am | Report comment
There’s hardly been a rejuvenation, Brumbies have gone backwards since 2004.
Always struck me as crazy that McKenzie was lambasted as NSW coach but there was much less directed at Fisher, who had quite a poor S12/14 record.
Brett McKay said | January 19th 2010 @ 10:39am | Report comment
Link, I don’t know that Fisher escaped scrutiny, he didn’t have his contract renewed in the end….
Simon said | January 19th 2010 @ 11:02am | Report comment
The Brumbies were just smart enough not to do it in the middle of the season when they were winning matches on route to the finals.
The Link said | January 19th 2010 @ 11:09am | Report comment
Brett – not saying there was nothing directed at Fisher, more that it was much, much less than what McKenzie coped, when in fact his record was much poorer.
Chris said | January 19th 2010 @ 12:05pm | Report comment
If you actually look at the record of both coaches they are pretty much identical. From 2005 to 2008 the Waratahs and Brumbies lost the same number of games. The Warathas won only two more games than the Brumbies over that time. “Much poorer” – actually statistically even.
Central North said | January 19th 2010 @ 1:13pm | Report comment
Except those two extra wins were pretty important ones weren’t they – being semi finals and all.
McKenzie took the Tahs to the playoffs three times and the Final twice between 05-08, while the Brumbies haven’t been to the knockout stages since 2004.
Yes, I know what happened then. As a Tahs man it pains me to say it. To save you feral horse types from going to the script, I acknowledge that “The Brumbies are the most successful Australian side of the professional era”.
The “pretty much identical” re-invents history just a little bit, that’s all.
Chris said | January 19th 2010 @ 1:57pm | Report comment
No matter how you cut it if the Waratahs were that much better than the Brumbies they should have won a lot more games. The Brumbies were right in the finals mix every season – they never had a 13th place finish like the Tahs did in 07.
Central North said | January 19th 2010 @ 2:09pm | Report comment
The Brumbs were right in the mix, sure.
But hang on a second. The Tahs won just three games in 07. Take players the calibre of Vickerman and Waugh (And Lyons. And Kanaar. Hell, and Dunning for that matter) out of any side for 10 weeks or more and they’re going to struggle.
And yet despite winning just three games that season – a season when the Brumbies finished fifth… again – the Tahs still won as many as the Brumbies did over a four year period.
Oh, and they made the finals three times to the Brumbies nil. Face facts. Between 2005 and 2008, the Tahs were “that much better”.
Chris, please I’m not having a dig at you. But you’ve got to look at it from my perspective. When you’re a Tahs fan, these things matter!!
Chris said | January 19th 2010 @ 8:38pm | Report comment
Fair enough!
mudskipper said | January 22nd 2010 @ 12:29pm | Report comment
Fisher only had Larkham 50% of the time and Gits had moved to the Force… The Brumbies then lost Huxley also and Fairbanks was often injured. Fisher had a very mixed time at the Brumbies with the player availability…
Nonetheless I’m happy with Andy Friend…
Brett McKay said | January 19th 2010 @ 11:17am | Report comment
OK, fair enough Link. I guess Growden and co can only target one at a time!!
Chris said | January 19th 2010 @ 11:50am | Report comment
Not sure I recall Fisher ever leading the Brumbies to second last place (as McKenzie did at the Tahs).
ballboy said | January 19th 2010 @ 11:19am | Report comment
Yes but McKenzie invited that sort of vilification with the way he went about his business. Always a bit cocky for mine and he was (probably still is) caught up in the whole Randwich mates culture club. I’m sure Friend can’t wait to play the Reds – he’s got a score to settle there.
mudskipper said | January 19th 2010 @ 11:44am | Report comment
The Brumbies rebuilt their pack over the past 3 years with Mitchell Chapman, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Hui Edmonds, Ben Hand, Noodles Kimlin, Ma’afu, Timani and super recruit Elsom. A late addition was Harrison. This pack will give their talent backs a solid platform to stand and challenge all comers…
The Brumbies crew also targeted speed bringing on Frankie, Alfi and Zippa. Friend last year then targeted the halves and signed Valentine when the Force were slow to re-sign him for the 2010 season. He then challenge the 2009 halves Holmes and Phibbs for the other spot. Phibbsy won the spot and was retained. Josh Holmes returned to the Waratahs were he has a chance to do well. During this time Tyrone Smith became a standout 12 and we was the emergence of young Toomua and Lealiifano.
However behind the players Friend and Fagan have rebuilt the coaching team and enhance the culture by employing specialist coaches all ex-Brumbies / Wallabies internationals and ex players forwards coach Owen Finegan, Kicking coach Julian Huxley and scrum coach Bill Young. He has also added a strength and conditioning coaches Marcus Kain and Rob McQuade.
They have spent plenty of time rebuilding a strong crew from coaching staff to player depth. Giteau’s return is the final piece of the puzzle and Elsom was the bonus for doing a good job…
Jerome said | January 20th 2010 @ 9:24am | Report comment
According to reports Holmes was actually offered a contract extension with the Brumbies ahead of Phibbs but opted to sign with the Waratahs instead.
Robbo said | January 20th 2010 @ 9:46am | Report comment
Not according to any “reports” that I have seen. Phibbs started pretty much every game last year in any case – and was definitely the favorite amongst the crowd.
mudskipper said | January 20th 2010 @ 10:52am | Report comment
Phibbsy a team man… He adds lot of value
Brett McKay said | January 20th 2010 @ 11:11am | Report comment
Jerome, that’s how I understand it as well. The Brumbies decided Holmes was the better bet long-term, but by the time the Brumbies made the offer, he’d already decided to go back to the ‘Tahs. Phibbs was offered a new contract after that..
mudskipper said | January 22nd 2010 @ 12:32pm | Report comment
Unfortunately Josh Holmes was very slow to come on… I can understand why Firiend waited to see who else was available. I’d like to see Holmes do better at the Tahs…
Rockin Rod said | January 22nd 2010 @ 12:43pm | Report comment
FYI Holmes turned down the Brumbies contract for NSW.
Comrade Bear said | January 19th 2010 @ 11:56am | Report comment
I’d like to see the Brumbies do well this year. My thinking is that we need at least one Aus team to get in the habit on winning which will hopefully transfer to the Wallabies.
Not sure that they have the ‘Key’ people in the ‘key’ positions to win it though – but they will definitely be in the finals.
As for ‘Friend’ vs ‘Link’ – Link has got absolutely nothing to lose. I actually think he has the easiest job in Rugby this year as expectations for the Reds could not be lower. I believe last years result was Reds 13 Brumbies 52 – and a similar score in 2008 – Brumbies 43 Reds 11. If the Reds get within 20 points of the Brumbies it could be argued as a rampaging success.
‘Friend’ vs ‘Link’ in 2010 is probably the only game that I hope the Brumbies will be dissapointed with – emphasis on ‘hope’
.
Robbie said | January 19th 2010 @ 12:10pm | Report comment
What are the key positions?
I would argue they are 1, 7, 10 and 15 (“The Spine” as our League brothers call it).
With Alexander, Smith, Giteau and Ashley-Cooper in those positions I’d say the Brumbies are in pretty good hands. The positions I am most worried about is 14 – thats the only position where the Brumbies don’t really have an obvious starter. That said I’d sooner take a gap at 14 than a gap in a key position any day.
Big Steve said | January 19th 2010 @ 1:02pm | Report comment
i wish you had “3″, 7, 10, 15 with the same players.
Alexander will never reach any potential as a tight head in International rugby will never be reached if eh plays on the loose side in S14. Hopefully for the Wallabies he plays tight head.
mudskipper said | January 19th 2010 @ 7:53pm | Report comment
add a good 6 and a a sharp 9 to that list… and its a fine squad…