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The Brumbies know they must lift their game if their 2009 Super 14 campaign is to stay on track. The Canberra-based side heads into Saturday night’s clash with the Force in third place on the competition ladder, but on the back of two near death experiences.
While their escape acts against both the Highlanders and the Crusaders show a degree of character of which the team can be proud, snatching victory in the last two minutes of a match is a habit they desperately want to kick.
The players know their performances this season have fallen well short of being perfect and no-one is more aware of this than halfback Patrick Phibbs.
Phibbs (corked thigh) is one of a number of players to have picked up an injury against the Crusaders. Clyde Rathbone (ankle), Mark Chisholm (arm), Stephen Hoiles (ankle) and Francis Fainifo (head knock) are also carrying injuries.
And with Josh Holmes nipping at his heels, injury is not the only threat to whether or not Phibbs retains his place in the starting XV, expected to be named on Wednesday.
“It puts a bit of pressure on me to perform each week,” he said of the threat from Holmes.
Holmes, who before the Super 14 season had been touted as likely to threaten for a place in the Wallabies squad, has replaced Phibbs midway through the second half in both matches this season.
Brumbies coach Andy Friend praised Phibbs last week, saying he was instrumental in digging the side out of a hole against the Highlanders.
But Phibbs admits he needs to improve.
“We’re getting the wins, and I’m just trying to establish a bit of a combination with (flyhalf) Christian (Lealiifano) out there.”
“I’ve definitely got room for improvement.”
He said he knows he must better his efforts around the ruck, and improve his performance in attack.
Getting clean ball has been a problem, but he said that’s to be expected under the ELV regime.
“I think that’s the nature of the new rules. That’s going to happen, it’s just a matter of how we deal with that now.”
“With hands allowed in the rucks, the ball just tends to just spurt out and there’s a lot more traffic through there.”
The clash with the Force will also see the return of Matt Giteau, a week after the Wallabies flyhalf announced he would leave the West to play for the Brumbies for next season.
The Force were ordinary in their first hit-out of the season against the Blues, which they lost 25-19, and were not too much better in their 16-10 win against the Cheetahs last weekend.
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.