Wallabies centre Pat McCabe suffered a head knock in his first match back from injury, as the Brumbies were overrun 15-11 by the Highlanders in a trial match in Queenstown.
The good news for last year’s Super Rugby runners up is that stand-in captain and world class Wallabies flanker David Pocock played a solid 40 minutes on Friday in his first game back since last year’s season-ending knee injury.
“He went well, got himself involved and didn’t look like he was thinking about his knee at all,” Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham told AAP.
However things didn’t go as well for McCabe, who was playing his first game since breaking his neck for the second time in seven months last season.
The hard-hitting centre was taken off in the 15th minute following a knock from behind while he had his head down.
Larkham said he was unsure how long McCabe, a veteran of 20 Tests, would be out of action.
“We’ll have to be very careful. Concussions are very serious. We’ll follow the protocols and make a decision,” Larkham said.
“But he had a strong 15 minutes, carried the ball well and made a couple of breaks.”
The Brumbies may have scored the only try in their first hit out of the season, but five penalties to the Highlanders proved enough to get the home side across the line.
Larkham said he was pleased with the performance, in what was his first game holding the reins since World Cup winning coach Jake White departed the club last season.
“They kicked five penalties to win the game, so we’re happy that our defence held out,” Larkham said.
The Brumbies jagged a slender 11-9 lead right on half time, courtesy of an unconverted try to Sam Carter and two penalty goals to new South African recruit Lionel Cronje.
However, it would be the last points the visitors scored, with the Highlanders kicking a penalty goal in each of the final two quarters – the last of which was on the back of a yellow card to Brumbies back Andrew Smith.
While the match was second versus second last from last year’s 2013 season, Larkham had elected to rest all members of the Wallabies’ Spring Tour squad, as well as only playing his strongest side in the first half.
Chivas
Guest
What is equally humorous is how everyone else chimes in taking sides... Before it all deteriorated into name calling and crying, I actually thought Ben made a reasonable point. Putting aside NZ or Australian sensitivities, saying the Brumbies were understrength does seem to suggest an excuse for losing and how good they did to get close. A bit like coming to a conclusion with half a story. But as Justin and others state it's pre-season, that is the way the media reports and who cares. Like next weekend the reds play the chiefs, but with nothing on it who cares who beats who. Only Higgs I think who is wanting to win the pre-season as he doesn't feel confident about winning too much once the season kicks off... Or am I reading too much into it
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Very conservative and cynical side. They win too much too. Dreadful side. If they were my team Id like them, theyre not and I dont like them at all. Too Brumby-ish, theyre like a wild horse thats cynical and wins too much. Not a fan, not a fan at all. Damn Brumbies.
Dan
Guest
love it Ben u r a troll with to much time on your hands you baited the hook perfectly and it got taken be happy about that. Ok here is an unbiased factual truth why do kiwis look up sheep on google more than any other country and you only have 4 million the mind boggles well yours does anyways keep living the dreamm buddy ur a champ!!!! det set legend peace what a bloke now FO back to you box
bmwwilliams
Guest
cool story hansel.
Magic Sponge
Guest
I'm a big McCabe fan and believe he is an underrated player but he might have to give the game away. Those injuries will keep occuring and two neck break is too much of a risk. Good luck Pat hope it all works out the Brumbies could definitely benefit from a fit hard ball running centre, but look after yourself out there.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Not a fan of the Brumbies. Thats all.
pick & go..!!
Guest
"justin yr such a @#$k, why bother commenting on any thing, let alone rugby, typical troll who hides behind a key board, go get him Ben." Flying hori, Considering you have not posted anything constructive about the article, or anything rugby by that matter. But you jump on here to bash a fellow roarer about being a troll, for not talking rugby. What Hypocrisy..!! Hahahaha
ben
Guest
Thats right..pre season matches mean nothing....the blues went unbeatn in pre season 2012 then had one of their worst seasons ever. Matches dont even count as a cap. I'll take the win over the blues though....will be the only one vs them we get this year...hurricanes in name light airs in game... I live in hope.
atlas
Guest
a different attitude in the Hurricanes-Blues match today then, 38-35, 6 tries to 5
Bakkies
Guest
I wouldn't read too much in to the result. Brumbies fielded local club players at the end and shots at goal might have been declined to test attacking plans.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
The blue is over sunshine, J3 flogged him.
Justin3
Guest
as opposed to you t ough guy
Dru
Guest
Hard not to wonder about this. Did anyone see the game?
flying hori
Guest
justin yr such a @#$k, why bother commenting on any thing, let alone rugby, typical troll who hides behind a key board, go get him Ben.
44bottles
Guest
I think they were trying to replicate a real game. Probably including the decision making required (eg. to kick for goal or touch)
Frank
Guest
Too much positivity around here.
Bakkies
Guest
Larkham will just have to pick Robbie Coleman at 12. Having come back from injuries early himself he should know that you can't risk McCabe like Deans and his other coaches did.
Justin3
Guest
comprehension old son, my reason was clearly stated above ;-)
pick & go..!!
Guest
Never a good thing to hear a player who comes back from a serious injury to get hurt again in his first game back. But on the flip side great to hear Poey put in a solid 40 mins. Good luck to both players. Hope they stay injury free this season.
PeterK
Guest
McCabe should play wing or f/b. If he is not good enough to start then should e on the bench. With his injuries and style he should not be playing 12. Trouble is cl is out in rehab for until March so McCabe will pay the price.