It was so hot at Bruce Stadium for the trial match between the ACT Brumbies and the Hurricanes that you’d be mistaken for thinking that we were watching the Super Sauna championships rather than a Super 14 trial.
The heat and the trial nature of the contest, with both sides mixing and matching their players and never really playing the number one side, meant that hard and fast conclusions could not be made from the 28 -14 victory to the Brumbies.
This applies to the other trial matches that have been played in Australia and New Zealand.
One season, some years ago, the Auckland Blues won their trial matches by 50 and more and then collapsed when the real tournament play started.
Still it seemed to me watching the trial match at Canberra there were some statements that could be made.
First, Josh Holmes looked to be in tremendous form, passing crisply, running strongly and generally marshalling the Brumbies attack extremely effectively.
Regular readers of The Roar will know that I have advocated Holmes as the successor to George Gregan as the next long-term Wallaby halfback (and potentially one of the best) throughout 2007 and 2008.
If Holmes plays well, the Brumbies could be the surprise team of the tournament.
Against the Hurricanes they showed off a strong lineout (snaffling a couple of Hurricanes throw); they have Stephen Moore to add some expertise and mongrel for the front rowl and there is plenty of pace and skill in the backs, with Clyde Rathbone, for instance, making one dazzling break that reminded us all how good he was before his injury crisis started.
Mark Gerrard and Christian Lealifano, Stephen Larkham’s successor (although no one can succeed Larkham totally) were clever and decisive in their running, kicking and passing.
The Hurricanes, rather like most of the spectators, seemed to be affected by the intense heat. There was a marked increase in the quality of their play when Ma’a Nonu and Corey Jane came on to immediately set up a try.
On paper, the Hurricanes should be a contender this season for the Super 14 title.
They haven’t really developed a Hurricanes system of play, unlike teams like the Brumbies and the Canterbury Crusaders.
This lack of a system means that the Hurricanes often lose to inferior sides, as they did last season to the Queensland Reds, and then disconcertingly for their supporters, put away much stronger sides.
Perhaps they need a cooler temperature to play their fizzing, expansive and fast-moving game, something they didn’t have at Canberra where they came, sauna-ed and were conquered.
mudskipper
Guest
The Brumbies had a mixed fortune last season due to extensive injuries, Huxley's very serious sickness unsettling the team. Fisher was mixed in how he divided some of the positions. His uncertainty didn't help Josh Holmes who seems to be a confidence player... Holmes is pumped for 2009, Andy Friend has connected with him and engaged his desire to fulfill his much talked about future status. He now as a S14 season under his belt...After this season he will be a world class scrum half... and wearing gold...
Brett McKay
Expert
Joe, I too saw homer's comment about Phibbs and nearly choked - I don't think Larkham ever had to worry about a Gregan pass coming to him on the half-volley...
detritus
Guest
Holmes is the new Anthony Ekert of Aus rugby, good pass, nice snipes but hides from contact in defence.
Joe
Guest
"It is a shame that good players like Phibbs neveer got a chance in front of George" I like Phibbs but surely you can't be suggesting he was ever better than Gregan? Must say while I've heard good things I've never actually seen Holmes play well. So looking forward to seeing how he goes this year.
sportym
Guest
I am really keen to see how Josh Holmes goes this year, last year was a tough start for him. In his defense it is not easy to perform when most of the team was out injured, there were after all called the Baby Brumbies last year. Looking at the current brumbies team, the forwards look solid and the backline looks very impressive. Its now upto Josh to show what he is made of, i hope he fires. We need an alternative to Burgess who struggled on tour, i hope he has worked on his passing.
Homer
Guest
I still believe that Lucas should have gone on the Europe tour instead of Sheehan. Holmes didn't perform and Lucas can run and kick beautiflly. It will be a great battle between the young aussie halves this season. It is great to have young attacking halves now that George is out of the way. It is a shame that good players like Phibbs neveer got a chance in front of George.
Handy Andy
Guest
While Josh Holmes certainly has the ability, I'm still not convinced of his character under pressure. Last season he was given the nod ahead of Phipps (a player with a weaker pass but a much stronger mind) only to play his way out of the team, mainly through his complete inability to 'feel the temperature' of a game. I also believe that when his position is under threat, he invariably capitulates. Furthermore, his club form with Eastwood last year was indifferent at best. I'd just like to see some character to match the hype.
Bob McGregor
Guest
Pleased Holmes played well as I think I might of pushed for him to be included in the team for RWC 2007. For whatever reason he went off the boil and Burgess got under his guard. Good we will have more than one option at half. Such contests should bring out the best in all contenders. The Super 14 contest this year is tantilising. Bring it on!
Marty
Guest
Big fan of Josh Holmes. I don't know why they didn't take him on tour