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2013 is shaping up to be one of the most promising in years, and has filled the Brumbies’ faithful with a sense of optimism, after being the competition surprise packets in 2012.
The big off-season news was the loss of rookie Brumby and standout Wallaby debutant Michael Hooper to the Wartahs. It was disappointing to see him go, but it was offset majorly by the signing of David Pocock, arguably the biggest signing in Brumbies history.
2013 will also herald the return of Clyde Rathbone to professional rugby. After well documented troubles in recent years, it will be great to see Clyde back playing for the Brumbies, where he is sure to be a fan favourite.
Other notable signings are South African monster second rower Etienne Oosthuizen. Oosthuizen represented South Africa schoolboys, and made his debut for the Lions last year.
He is just shy of two metres tall and 120kgs, and has the potential to cause some real devastation. Plus, he is also only 19 years old!
Aside from this, the squad has lost Anthony Hegarty and Ben Hand to Grenoble (France) and Jerry Yanuyanutawa to London Irish.
Forwards:
The Brumbies forward pack laid the foundations for the success they achieved in 2012. A mix of big, aggressive players coupled with a hard working mentality ensured they were competitive with the best.
The front row will remain wholly the same, with Wallabies Stephen Moore and Ben Alexander leading the way, along with the under-rated Dan Palmer.
Coming off the bench are Ruaihdri (pronounced Rory) Murphy and Scott Sio, both of whom tasted Super Rugby last year. Siliva Siliva moves into the backup hooker role after Anthony Hegarty decided to continue his career overseas. While he has not debuted in super rugby yet, he is a promising talent who played for the under-20s side that came third at the 2011 IRB world champs.
The second row is looking very strong, with the addition of Oosthuizen to an already formidable pack. Oostuhuizen joins Sam Carter and Scott Fardy, the Brumbies go-to starting locks, and Leon Power, who played well when called upon. Peter Kimlin can also fill in at lock, but has been used more as a blindside flanker by Jake White. Carter and Fardy should both hold on to their starting spots this year, with Oosthuizen and Power to add size and aggression off the bench.
The backrow is a traditional strength for the Brumbies, and 2013 will be no exception. Led by the excellent Ben Mowen, who was unlucky to be overlooked for the Wallabies in 2012, and with the addition of Pocock, the Brumbies will be very competitive at the breakdown.
With 8 and 7 sewn up, blindside flanker will be contested between Fotu Auleua, Colby Fainga’a, Kimlin and Ita Vaea. Kimlin may be the preferred choice due to his size and mobility, as well as being another option in the lineout. Auleua and Vaea are also an option if the game plan is to dominate the oppositions pack, as they are both human wrecking balls. Fainga’a may also be used in a dual-fetching role, but is likely to be used off the bench as cover for Pocock.
Backs:
2012 saw the emergence of Nic White at scrumhalf. After a very impressive debut year, he has positioned himself as Genia’s backup at international level, and would have played on the spring tour if not for off season shoulder surgery. His back-up Ian Prior, who was Genia’s understudy at the Reds, also played well when called upon in 2012.
The number 10 seemed to be cursed in Australian rugby last year, with the Brumbies (along with the Reds, and to a lesser extent the Rebels) losing a number of players. Matt Toomua was the first choice five-eighth, with Lealiifano playing at inside centre. Where Lealiifano offers the flair, Toomua complements him with his organisational and kicking game. Zac Holmes came into the position after both Toomua and Lealiifano picked up season ending injuries, and played beyond expectation, particularly his game against Wellington in NZ.
The centres in 2013 will be without Pat McCabe for a large part of the season due to a fracture in his neck. He is out for at least three months, but could be anywhere up to six months. Lealiifano is likely to line-up at inside centre but it is also possible that he could be playing five-eighth, in which case it would be local boy Robbie Coleman lining up in the 12 jersey.
Outside centre is a tossup between Andrew Smith, who had his best season last year under Jake White, the promising Tevita Kuridrani, and the returning Clyde Rathbone.
The wing spots are likely to go to Henry Speight and Joe Tomane, both of whom played well in 2012. Tom Cox is another option, and is reportedly the quickest player the Brumbies have ever had. Look out for him in 2013. Rathbone can also play on the wing, and will no doubt give his all if called upon.
The fullback spot is between Jesse Mogg and Coleman. Mogg was one of the standout players in 2012, brought up from an emergency spot in week one and rewarded with a full contract in 2013. Known for his ability to spot a gap and not shying away from contact, as well as his huge boot, he will hopefully pick up where he left off in 2012.
Draw:
The Brumbies start the season with three local derbies; at home to the Reds and Waratahs, and away to the Rebels. They will be looking to start with three wins, and to get an early advantage over their rivals Queensland and NSW.
They then have their South African tour, facing arguably the two toughest SA teams in the Sharks and Stormers. Any points gained here could prove to be invaluable in the context of their season, and will not come easily. Immediately back home they play the Bulls and new boys, the Southern Kings.
Of the New Zealand teams, the Brumbies have the Blues and Highlanders away, and the Crusaders and Hurricanes at home, missing the defending champs, the Chiefs.
The Highlanders and Blues away are both winnable games, but will not come easy. The Brumbies showed good form in New Zealand last year, with a bonus point win over the Hurricanes and a last minute loss to the Chiefs, which they were unlucky to lose.
The Crusaders at home is on a Sunday afternoon, and will go close to selling out Bruce. This could be a cracker of a game, and will be the one fans will be most eager for, along with the Tahs in week three, which is always a big game. The Hurricanes will also have a point to prove, after the Brumbies beat them at home in 2012.
The Brumbies finish the season with away games to the Rebels and Force, both of which they would be hoping to win, and could play a major part in deciding the makeup of the finals.
Prediction:
I’m picking bigger and better things for the Brumbies in 2013. They showed enough last year to give the fans a sense of optimism, and with another full pre-season behind them, as well as a year of getting to know each other on the field, things are looking promising in the capital.
The addition of David Pocock is huge, and under Jake White he could possibly reach another level in his game, particularly in attack, where he has had criticism in the past.
Clyde Rathbone coming back is also a big plus, although possibly overshadowed a bit by Pocock’s signing. He may not start, but he will be a big asset for the squad, and his affect off the paddock may prove to be as positive as his affect on it.
I’m backing the Brumbies to not only top the Australian conference, but to do so without losing to an Australian side. I may be showing a bit of bias here, and feel free to put me in my place in the comments section (c’mon Tahs fans, show me what you’ve got!), but I truly believe that we have the squad to do this, and importantly, for the first time in a long time, we also have the depth to achieve this.
Add to this arguably the best coach in the comp in Jake White, with help from Stephen Larkham and Laurie Fisher on the sidelines, and you have the makings of a great side.
Key player: Nic White
Players to watch out for: Ruaihdri Murphy, Tevita Kuridrani, Etienne Oosthuizen, Jesse Mogg.
Likely stating side in 2013:
Alexander
Moore
Palmer
Fardy
Carter
Kimlin
Pocock
Mowen (c)
White
Toomua
Tomane
Lealiifano
Smith / Kuridrani
Speight
Mogg
Bench:
Murphy
Sio
Siliva
Oosthuizen
Auleua
Fainga’a
Prior
Coleman
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.