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Australian rugby’s playmaking curse has cruelly hit the Brumbies with Jakes White’s surprise packets needing to defend their healthy Super Rugby conference lead without linchpin Christian Lealiifano.
Bitter-sweet doesn’t begin to describe the emotions of Brumbies players after Lealiifano broke his ankle in the last minute of their 23-6 triumph over the NSW Waratahs on Saturday night in Canberra.
The joy of going nine points clear at the top of the Australian conference from traditional powers Queensland and NSW has been replaced by concern whether third and fourth-string flyhalves Robbie Coleman and Zack Holmes can guide them through to the play-offs.
Lealiifano’s season-ending injury has also had major Wallabies ramifications with regular Test fullback Kurtley Beale now a lay-down misere for the No.10 jersey.
Beale produced an exceptional first performance at five-eighth for Melbourne on Friday night as the Rebels gave the second-placed Bulls a major shock at AAMI Park before falling 41-35.
With 2011 playmakers Quade Cooper (knee) and James O’Connor (liver laceration) sidelined, and Waratahs pivot Berrick Barnes regarded more as a No.12 or 15 prospect, Lealiifano’s form and ability to take the ball to the line had him set for a Test debut in next month’s internationals against Scotland and Wales.
With another Brumbies five-eighth, Matt Toomua (knee), also out for the season, coach White can only hope former sevens star Coleman or Holmes can follow in the footsteps of his young team and rise to the task.
“It’s not ideal,” White said. “Again, it’s just another challenge chucked at this group, but … with every challenge they’ve had, they’ve stepped up to the plate.
“It’s part of the learning curve that we’re getting as a group.
“I’m sure if you give them the chance – there’s a nice positive attitude in the camp – they’ll step up.”
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, White admitted he would have been happy to talk finals ambitions after the two-try win if not for Lealiifano’s injury.
“I’m not going to drop my head, we’re going to keep going,” he said. “If we play the way we can (and) if we stick to the things that we do well, there is no reason we can’t win any game.”
The continued good form of flanker Michael Hooper, lock Sam Carter, prop Dan Palmer and No.8 wildcard Fotu Auelua in an intense local derby has the uncapped Brumbies forwards eyeing Wallabies squad selection.
Test coach Robbie Deans would have been pleased with the quartet watching on at Canberra Stadium before crossing the Tasman on Sunday to see a spirited Reds outfit go down 15-11 to the Crusaders.
Queensland kept the seven-time champions tryless and led 11-9 with nine minutes left but were ultimately sunk by a 17-7 penalty count and must redeem themselves against the pace-setting Chiefs (44 points) on Sunday in Brisbane.
While the Brumbies (35) are two wins clear of NSW and Queensland (both 26) and have a bye next weekend which could extend the gap to 13, they face both provincial rivals in their six-game run home to the finals.
Like the Reds, the Western Force (18) rued a high penalty count and controversial decisions as the Cheetahs came from behind for a 17-13 home win in Bloemfontein.
The Rebels (20) gained two bonus points in their loss to the Bulls (42) but their chances of staying in the play-off hunt are now merely mathematical.
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.