A dream return to Super Rugby looks certain for Clyde Rathbone, with the former Wallabies winger scoring two tries in the Brumbies 38-7 win over the ACT XV on Friday.
Rathbone, who retired from professional rugby in 2009, had both his trademark corner-finding speed and the slick hands of Christian Lealiifano to thank for his tries.
Coach Jake White said Lealiifano looked dangerous every time he touched the ball.
“I thought (Matt Toomua) played really well, as well,” White said.
“He was brave, he took the ball to the line … and that’s probably why Christian was allowed to get so much movement.”
The injury-free hitout will give the Brumbies ample confidence going into next week’s season opener against the Queensland Reds, however they were not pushed to their limit in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Viking Park.
The Brumbies did get an early scare when their backline bombed a certain try from 15 metres out.
ACT XV winger Stephan Van Der Walt swooped on the loose pass from Brumbies fullback Jesse Mogg and raced 85 metres to the tryline.
But the lead was shortlived and the traffic was then all one way for the Super Rugby side.
David Pocock kicked off his Canberra rugby life in style when he dived off the back of a rolling maul from close range to level the score.
Lealiifano then busted a tackle just past halfway, before drawing the fullback to send Mogg over the line in the 16th minute.
The floodgates looked to open when Rathbone scored in the 22nd minute, but the ACT XV dug in and prevented the Brumbies crossing again until after halftime, when Stephen Moore and Nic White both scored from close range.
Scott Sio made a strong bust up the middle in the 56th minute before he was brought down. But in a quick recycle of the ball, Lealiifano flicked the ball out to Rathbone who scored the final try of the night.
Coach Jake White wouldn’t say whether Rathbone would start next week’s match, but said he had proven he was still up to Super Rugby level.
“He’s still got it,” White said.
“I have no hesitation in, if I have to announce him, that I don’t think he’s good enough. It just means that him, Henry (Speight) and Joe (Tomane) have to push hard for those two wing positions.”
Jackie Smit
Guest
Hightackle, at least now I don't feel my log predictions to be so far fetched. Check out my previews on the link below. We really have some very different views. Super Rugby Previews by Jackie Smit
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
No worries HT....its hard to pick up whit and levity in text. No offence taken!
Big Boppa
Guest
Surprised that no one has evaluated the benefit of playing a bunch of ACT local club players who are out of season as the last trial as opposed to the Reds being tested by the Chiefs. I know who will have benefited more in terms of having their systems put under pressure and being game hardened
Hightackle
Guest
Sorry just joking around. It is crazy whats happening in all sports in all countries. Match fixing in football, Armstrong, SBWs boxing farce etc. I agree that this was in bad taste but it was just a bad joke that I guess Id make at work whilst getting the kiwi jokes layed on too thick. I in no way actually think that Australian sports stars are like that and I honestly hope that its massively exagerated. Just a bad joke.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Troll......if that's what you can see you,re either in Western Sydney or the Cross.........try the NRL, according to the Ch 9 news tonight
Hightackle
Guest
Just kidding Billy. Only joking Bob.
Hightackle
Guest
Billy!? Bob!? At least I havnt got 2 personalities with names that combine to sound like a Klan member.
Hightackle
Guest
I do live in Australia and I cant even walk down the road without tripping on needles that the Ausie sports stars have used and thrown on the ground. The stuff is everywhere over here. Hey, with all this talk of match fixing over here, I was just wondering if anyone knows who I talk to if I want the Brumbies to "win" a game?
DingoBobRc
Guest
Thought the Brumbies looked a bit scrappy early in the game with a bit of dropped ball but came together in the second half and looked really dangerous. Pocock looks to be back to his old self scouring the rucks and both Toomua and Lealiifano looked strong.
Billy Bob
Guest
Attention deficit is my guess.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
I think ASADA better have a look at what Hightackle is on ;-)
Rob from Brumby Country
Guest
Keep telling yourself that, Hightackle ;)
Justin2
Guest
White has stated that 10/12 combo more than once and started last year like that too. I'll put money on it McCabe ain't 12 to start the year at least.
Hightackle
Guest
Prolly the only win the Brumbies will get in 2013. Justin I wouldnt pay too much attention to where players play preseason. Season standings.... Canes Stormers Reds Chiefs Tahs Sharks Highlanders Saders Bulls Blues Rebels Cheetahs Brumbies Force Kings
Justin2
Guest
Well it appears that Pat McCabe won't be playing 12 at the Brumbies this year, hopefully that finishes him there for the Wallabies and we get a proper 12 at test level.
Dasher
Guest
Brumbies are going to be very dangerous this year with both Toomua and Lealifano back from injury. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].