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Brumbies: Simply irresistible

Roar Guru
17th February, 2013
39

The ACT Brumbies were excellent last night, completely outplaying the Queensland Reds.

Rugby has very little in common with boxing. However, one similarity is that the effects of pressure in both sports are often cumulative. Repeated blows to the head or body will stop any opponent.

The Brumbies applied their pressure throughout the game. The pressure created a constant stream of penalties that gave the Brumbies possession, field position and points and eventually a two tries to nil and 24-6 score line. The Reds conceded 13 penalties to the Brumbies 8 or 60% more.

The Brumbies also applied pressure to the Reds brains trust, Quade Cooper. He had no time or space all night and slowly receded into the seclusion of the pocket. Cooper seemed to lack inventiveness, imagination and a desire to take control of the game. Pocock and a resurgent Kimlin will do that to you. Genia’s drive, creativity and spark was sorely missed.

Unlike last year, when the Brumbies would go to sleep for periods, often in the third quarter, and then wake up again, last night they played with passion, speed and for the most part, precision for the full 80 minutes.

The best for the Brumbies were forwards Stephen Moore, Noodle Kimlin and late bloomer Scott Fardy. Pocock was outstanding and a real menace.

I prefer Lealiifano at 10 however, but even at 12, he dominated the game by his involvement: 13 runs and 11 tackles. Mogg knows how to play fullback and uses the inherent space so well. Nic White and Matt Toomua combined well.

White was very good half back in 2012 but, on this performance, will be even better this year. Toomua throws a lovely pass but I prefer him when he straightens the attack.

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Clyde Rathbone had limited opportunities in his 65 minutes, but he ran Ioane down from behind after Ioane had used a shepherd to bust the mid field. To say he swooped would be accurate except that White Rhino’s don’t swoop!

The Reds were disappointing and can do much better. They didn’t have the calibre of troops when compared one on one to the Brumbies on paper. This was borne out last night in the game. The Brumbies dominated the Reds in the middle five.

Ioane tried hard but was well marked whenever he went on any of his 11 trademark, jinking runs. Tapuai made 19 tackles but only four runs and Harris, playing at 10 in defence, made 12 tackles.

Lucas didn’t spark anything. Nick Frisby asked questions of the defence with more zip and four off loads in 31 minutes.

The Reds will get back Genia and Horwill and this will significantly improve their morale, leadership and attacking options. By then, the 2013 season could well be over as there are now three teams, Reds, Brumbies and Waratahs, competing for probably one or a maximum of two finals spots from the Australian conference.

The Rebels and the Force have improved on their 2012 performances, particularly in the tryscoring department. Both are genuinely capable of tripping up an unsuspecting opponent.

The Brumbies are a much more complete team thanks to Pocock’s arrival, the bitter 2012 ending and the experience gained by their youngsters. Jake White is a masterful coach and should be the next Wallabies coach.

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