The Brumbies continued the Highlanders terrible start to the season with a comprehensive 30-19 win, punctuated by a huge performance from George Smith and the return of Jesse Mogg and Toomua to the Brumbies’ backline.
Pre-game former All Black John Preston commented that the Highlanders expected the Brumbies to play a South African style of rugby.
The Brumbies did not disappoint, with a number of testing high balls from Jesse Mogg testing the Highlanders, Mose Tualii in particular.
The first half was highlighted by some superb running from Henry Speight, which lead Kiwi commentator Tony Johnstone to quip that Henry Speight was the best winger in Australia.
On the other wing, Joseph Tomane had another strong, consistent game picking up an opportunist try off the back of some good defence in midfield from the Brumbies.
The Highlanders’ attack was blunted by some great Brumbies defence, which showed good linespeed and commitment. In the end the Highlanders’ seemed incapable of breaking the line, despite occasionally bending it.
Notably, Ma’a Nonu’s quiet form continues, and questions will certainly begin to be asked about his claim to the All Black’s no 12 jersey.
This game also marked the return of Mogg and Toomua to the backline after spells due to injuries. Toomua had a strong game, showing some sublime skill to chip and chase and then put Speight away down the right hand side of the field.
Importantly, Toomua also came up with a momentum changing tackle which forced a knock on from Hayden Parker (who was impressive) when the Highlanders where on attack. Mogg showed his importance to the structure of the Brumbies play, primarily with his kicking.
His long range kicking and bombs, where important in providing the territorial foundation for the Brumbies win.
While many players miss tackles on Jose Gear, Mogg should be expected to make covering tackles such as the one he missed on Gear which should have led to a try (but for the decision of the TMO).
This was a strong win for the Brumbies and will provide some good momentum for the Brumbies moving towards their big clash with the Reds.
Jerry
Guest
It doesn't have to be on top of the ball, it doesn't even have to be in the hands (it can be held in the arm or arms). The laws merely state a player has to be holding the ball, and he's holding it between his hand and wrist when the ball touches the ground. The team I support has nothing to do with it either, in fact I've said repeatedly on this forum that the Highlanders are the one NZ side I actively dislike and want to see lose, but that's just a poor call IMO.
atlas
Guest
a few stats from this game, not the best re-viewing enjoyment if both teams are made to watch it again. Tackle bags! George Smith - highest tackler in the match with 22, 65 metres from his 11 ball carries, winning a breakdown turnover, and scoring a try. Brumbies missing 38 tackles to the 18 by the Highlanders Highlanders 13 knock-ons (4 of them by Hosea Gear) and throwing a forward pass 53 kicks in general play during this match (not including kicks for touch from penalties, free kicks, or marks) Highlanders 10th consecutive loss having not won a Super 15 match since playing the Blues on May 26 2012
jameswm
Roar Guru
His hand was on th side of the ball. It could have gone either way. Yes he was holding the ball like that beforehand, but by the time the ball hit the ground the hand wasn't on top of the ball, not even diagonally. I think it could have gone either way. It's a long way from one of the worst TMO decisions I've ever seen. Winston the team I support (neither of those in that game) hads nothing to do with it. It's an objective call. You're so hung up on which team was involved that it's clear that you're the one who can't look at it objectively.
AdamS
Roar Guru
Massive howler.the only reason the. All leaves his hand is that the earth got in the way. And I tipped the Brumbies.
winston
Roar Rookie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_LUHFjGV0I
winston
Roar Rookie
To me in looked like he was holding the ball with his hand and wrist wrapped around is which a very common when using one hand. It was far from 50/50 it was an awful call. So many tries are scored like that. I'd like to see your list of bad TMO call. Maybe if it was a team you support it may be a different story.
Brumby Jack
Guest
it is a bit harsh saying it is poor captaincy Peter K when the brumbies won so convinciing in NZ against a team that had nothing to lose and everything to gain, the brumbies bounced backed fairly well won the game, as Bakkies said before you points has won them a fair share of the games over the past two years and continues to be important part of closing out a game!!!
Markus
Guest
My take on it at the time was there was a lack of downward pressure, as he was holding the underside of the ball at the time it made contact with the ground. It could be that the TMO determination was that gravity was the only thing keeping it in his hand, not control. A disappointing decision for the Landers, but not even close to being the worst TMO decision I've ever seen. I wouldn't even place it in my top 10.
AdamS
Roar Guru
I think it was more than that James. It was a precedent setting interpretation by the TMO. He was clearly shown placing the ball, with the force of the placement taking it out of his hand. If it hadn't hit the ground it would still be in his hand. I would really like to hear from the TMO just what grounds he used to say it was not a try.
Jerry
Guest
Many is the time a sub-ed has caused more controversy with the headline than the author has with the article, I'm sure.
Sage
Guest
Agreed Jerry, poor word choice but Mr Philipson has showed some form there with recent Quade comments so no suprise. Then again, we're told often they don't get to choose the final article heading but either way, a trouncing it wasn't.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Gear's try was a classic 50/50. Coulda gone either way. Mogg is not up to playing for the Wallabies YET. Take him on the EOYT. Good prospect. Smith is magnificent. We need to sweet talk the sushi munchers. Massive shame Speight is not eligible for the Lions.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
Fair enough Kev, I was just having a shot because of him trying to be a selector. I think Genia will go down as one of the greatest wallabies of all time, and I have no interest in stirring up any contoversy regarding him. I think he will most likely select and coach wallaby teams in the future. However he should let Quade look after himself, and anyone that reads my posts will realise I'm a massive QC and Genia fan.
Jerry
Guest
Yeah, the Highlanders deserved to lose. But a 6 point, possibly a 4 point, loss isn't a 'trouncing' by any reasonable definition.
rae1
Guest
Maybe the headline should have read "Brumbies Should have Trounced the Highlanders".Hardly a trouncing,especially against a team coming last in the super comp.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Actually not PK.....go for the shot get 3 points close the game out. You miss, you 99% of the time get the ball back.....its called running down the clock. 4 points are more important than the bonus point, as they learnt against the Kings.
Red Kev
Guest
Genia did not say that, he was merely stating his preference (not hard to understand since they've played together since U15s) and showing support for his teammate (people on here seem to be big on that, surprised you're castigating him for it). "Wouldn't want to play with any other flyhalf" is a long long way from "I won't play unless Cooper does", stop trying to stir up controversy.
mania
Guest
whilst i agree it was a try it was only 5 points and wouldnt have made a difference to the over all result. brums still deserved to win
ScrumJunkie
Guest
I think Mowen does exactly as JW thinks, it's tough to blame the captain.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
I only said that because I don't think QC will be first choice 5/8 for the 2015 world cup, and Genia says he won't play with any other flyhalf. Happy to be proved wrong.