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The Brumbies flattered to deceive and never really got out of first gear in 2010. This year, with few new players, they must find the solution to last year’s woes if they are to be genuine contenders in 2011.
Even if they do find that solution, the Brumbies will not win the 2011 Super rugby tournament.
Their weaknesses are in their coaching staff and lack of squad depth.
Friend is inexperienced at this level, as demonstrated by last year’s performance. “Googie” Harrison and Larkham are even less experienced.
Rea is an “early days” convert from league. While this is a well trodden path, the likes of Muggleton and Kiss have been at it for many years. League is a much more individualist and simple game relative to rugby.
Depth is an issue for all Australian teams. The clever teams will include one bright young thing on the bench and give them some game time. They will then be better prepared for their inevitable call up later in the season.
For the Brumbies, Ed Stubbs, Henry Speight and Nic White should get a chance on the bench as a winger/centre replacement and halfback respectively. The Brumbies don’t appear to have the equivalent youngsters as back up for the forwards.
The Brumbies do have strengths.
They have a strong front row, with Palmer and Edmonds as back up. Edmonds and Ma’afu return resplendent with the increased confidence and determination to improve that joining the Wallabies club brings.
They have a strong backrow if and when Elsom and Hoiles are fit. Hooper and Faingaa are two up and coming, and already blooded, at 7.
Their backline is delicious if they can fire. They have a surfeit of fly halves in Toomua, Lealiifano and Giteau and even Valentine at a pinch.
Their midfield is promising as is any midfield with AAC in it. McCabe, after a great rookie year, will get bigger, faster and better. Tyrone Smith and his “go forward” game, must get some time off the bench.
18 of their starting team select themselves:
1. Alexander (immediate selection),
2. Moore (immediate selection),
3. Ma’afu (immediate selection),
4. Hand (last man standing as Kimlin is injured),
5. Chisholm (immediate selection),
6. Elsom (immediate selection),
7. Hooper
8. Hoiles (immediate selection),
9. Phibbs (immediate selection),
10. Toomua (immediate selection),
11. Fainifo (speedster is poised for a big season),
12. Giteau (immediate selection),
13. AAC (immediate selection),
14. McCabe (immediate selection),
15. Lealiifano (showed his ability in ITP Comp),
16. Edmonds (immediate selection),
17. Palmer (immediate selection),
18. Chapman (with injuries he may get a lot of game time),
19. Salvi
20. Valentine (immediate selection),
21. T Smith (immediate selection),
22. A Smith (big and quick, and not so young, but yet to reach his potential).
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.