I strangely enjoyed the maul-fest that was the Brumbies versus Bulls on Friday night. Usually I prefer a free flowing game but I loved the intensity both teams showed.
In particular I enjoyed the Bulls’ game. With no Plan B available due to the personnel at their disposal the Bulls played to type and they did it well.
The Brumbies, however, have a few things to work out.
The performance was spirited and as a good team does they pulled out the win. The Brumbies’ not so secret weapon has been the driving maul, with David Pocock collecting tries for fun.
Yet I saw a few coaching mistakes from the Brumbies that should have been corrected during the match but were not.
First, the Bulls were expected to come out playing tight rugby, they actual came to play, throwing the ball around as best they can. I believe this is what had the Brumbies a little rattled (or looking rusty) for most of the first half.
Joe Tomane was a revelation under the high ball, I have been yelling at the TV for years over his crocodile snap catching. He has been working hard and it is appreciated by my wife.
Second half the Brumbies sped up the game and grabbed a few deserved tries before succumbing to the Bulls’ switch back to a driving maul game. The Bulls were clearly superior in this area and started to take control of the match, and were a little unlucky in the end not to grind out a great comeback.
The problem as I see it is that the Brumbies didn’t continue the more attacking, open play they came out with after half-time, the play that worked so well.
The Bulls defence was fantastic, however they were continually moving outwards, pushing toward the sidelines. There was always space for an inside runner one or two passes off the ruck. The Brumbies actually took advantage of this a few times during their 20-minute burst of playing open rugby, utilising their backline. Yet somehow they were sucked back into a forward-orientated game which allowed the Bulls back in.
Pocock, a great talent, has been fooled into believing he is an exceptional mauling forward. He is not. He is but a mere mortal. The Bulls dominated in this area and a change should have been made.
All in all a solid win, but with the right tactics a bonus point and an easier victory could have been achieved.
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.
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