Christian Lealiifano’s suspected broken ankle took all the gloss off the Brumbies’ impressive 23-6 win over the Waratahs in Canberra last night.
And gave Wallaby coach Robbie Deans an additional headache as to who will wear the number 10 jersey against Scotland and Wales.
The jersey is a poisoned chalice with Quade Cooper, James O’Connor, and now Lealiifano all out of the frame on the injured list.
It was a cruel blow for the 24-year-old Auckland-born Lealiifano, especially as the accident happened well after the final hooter had sounded, with the Brumbies home and hosed.
It was a meaningless time to still be playing.
That’s where Lady Luck played her cards, and she deserted Christian Lealiifano.
So who does Deans turn to now? Kurtley Beale or Ben Lucas?
Beale was brilliant against the Bulls on Friday night in his first hit-out of the season at 10. In a normal world Deans would far prefer to have Beale at 15, but his world has been turned upside down with injuries to key players.
Once considered an outside possibility, Lucas can force his way into contention with an outstanding game against the Crusaders later today in Christchurch. That’s a big ask, but that’s what it will take to catch Deans’ attention.
This Christchurch clash has taken on a new significance now the Brumbies have opened up a 10-point lead over the Reds on top of the Australian Conference. If the Reds lose, with the Brumbies having a bye next week for an assured four points, it will be all over red rover for the defending champions.
Unless something dramatic happens over the final six rounds, the Brumbies deserve to top the local table and have a crack at the title.
Last night they were all poise, never flustered. When centre Andrew Smith scored in the 45th minute, it was after a patient 15-phase assault on the Waratahs’ line – and inevitable.
This new-look Brumbies lineup under South African World Cup-winning coach Jake White has been a revelation. The same can’t be said about Waratahs coach Michael Foley.
The Waratahs enjoyed the bulk of possession last night (58%) but didn’t know how to use it, which translated to having the minor percentage of territory with 39. The Waratahs also won the rucks and mauls 128-71, ran 848 metres to 431, and missed 12 tackles to 28.
The only stat the Waratahs were behind the Brumbies were the turnovers 21-14.
On those figures how on earth did they lose?
Foley has a major problem getting his charges to cope with the simple rugby basics of passing and support play. Many of the passes are too high or behind the receiver, destroying momentum. That’s kindergarten quality.
Last night in the first half, Kane Douglas, Tatafa Polota-Nau, Sekope Kepu, and the skipper Benn Robinson all made clean breaks, try on, but either the pass went to ground, or the support went missing.
Basic errors and opportunities wasted.
Not so with the Brumbies, they are playing positive entertaining rugby and the fans are voting with their feet. Last night at Canberra Stadium a vocal 19,112 turned up, near capacity.
The Brumbies deserve it.
Jack
Guest
I think it was Gitts who wanted to be at 10. His career when downhill when he no longer has Steve Larkham at 10.
jeznez
Guest
Heard a rumour that it is at Robbie Deans's request. But I think in reality it is his goal kicking, Foley is a conservative coach and has started from the old adage that you selct your goal kicker first. He has certainly missed the other one where the first player picked is the tighthead prop and the second player picked is the reserve tighthead prop or Palmer would never have been let go down the Hume.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
BMW Williams, you make a fair point regarding the Brumbies change in philosophy has allowed White the freedom to flourish with his young squad. In saying that they didn't have a choice really as they were starting all over again. If they didn't it would be CEO Fagan's job. Not withstanding that, White has done a terrific job along with the players. Of course this doesn't translate success at the next level regarding White as a possible Wallaby coach. I'm just surprised his name has not been mentioned as it appears the Link is the successor already. I like Link and think he would be great however so too Jake White.
bluerose
Guest
here we go again with the ''born here and raised there'' debate...........sick and tired of this childish nonsense
jeznez
Guest
Justin, it is already too late, the season is gone and they are playing for pride from here on out.
Jerry
Guest
Well, not all of them were - it's kind of easier to just say NZ born. I've heard Ben Franks described as Australian born, when it'd be more accurate to describe him as "Born in Aus to NZ parents who returned home when he was an infant" but who can be arsed writing all that?
colvin
Guest
It's the genes that count. James O'Connor was born in Australia to New Zealand parents.
bmwwilliams
Roar Rookie
I think you're absolutely correct CC. While White has undoubtedly been incredibly effective this year, he would not have been so successful had the whole organisation not been so receptive. He has been allowed to restructure the whole place to his exact needs, and has a young playing group which is no doubt very receptive to such an accomplished coach. Kudos to him for recognising the opportunity. But to expect him to be as effective (at least so quickly) in the completely different Wallabies environment would be a little misguided.
Carnivean
Guest
Pushover try probably wasn't considered possible as at the time the Brumbies had the far superior front row, with Moore and Alexander on the field, whereas TPN and Robinson were off for the Tahs. It might have still been possible, and it was what I called at the screen, but hindsight tells me that the lineout was the more likely try provider at that point in the game.
colvin
Guest
Yes, but he played inside centre which is his natural position. He career when downhill when they tried to make him a flyhalf.
bmwwilliams
Roar Rookie
While i am gutted for Christian, this needn't be the end of the Brumbies' run. I've been very impressed with Robbie Coleman in his cameos this year. Zack Holmes has looked solid too, and is a quality goal kicker to boot. If the team has taught us anything this year, it's that they're not dependent on any one star individual - The next bloke in line can be trusted to step up when he's needed.
Hansie
Guest
Rocky got the biggest boo I've ever heard at Canberra Stadium. While all departed players get a little 'reception' on their return, his was much more of a character reference.
Brett McKay
Expert
Fatty, Zack Holmes will be an option too, played off the bench for the first couplf of games, looks a promising flyhalf..
Macca
Guest
So tough to get a season ending injury after the bell. Recover quickly Christian! Brumbies have options: Robbie, Zach, or Nic White, with Ian Prior at 9. Love to see Bernie play again, but Brumbies are building new players. They can and will keep winning. Games against Bulls and Tahs show they are serious contenders.
daryl
Guest
why does McKibbin start over Pretorius? hes gotta be the most average halfback going, not to mention he kicks the ball away every time theres a turnover. Sarel on his day can singlehandedly win a game.
daryl
Guest
Coleman has to start at 10, thats his natural position
Max Power
Guest
JOC was Australian-born, educated and trained. He spent 5 years in NZ but was born here and didn't almost all of his schooling and training here.
CrockyCrocky
Guest
Jake is doing a fantastic job but one of the biggest differences this year is that the boys playing for the Brumbies want to be coached! The previous 'stars' didn't need a coach or want one that asked them to put in! Remember reading that AAC got angry when former coach Friend dared to state that the boys effort in a losing game had been 'soft'. Young guns may lack in experience but they have desire, work ethic and team spirit which has been definitely lacking the past couple of years. Looking forward to watching it grow even stronger. Well done to all Brumbies, coaches and players. Rocky, AAC and the rest of the departed 'stars' - thanks for leaving!!
Hansie
Guest
I was thinking the same last night seeing Larkham run out as water boy - I thought a 20 minute Larkham cameo (with a few ghosting runs thrown in for good measure) would have put the Waratahs away.
Sprigs
Guest
If we have the words "Auckland-born" or" NZ-born" describing great players like Christian, Quade, Digby, and JOC can we please see the description "Australian raised, educated and trained" as well? That information is far more relevant regarding rugby than where these players happened to arrive in this world.