Brumbies five-eighth Matt Toomua gave codehopper Karmichael Hunt a first-hand masterclass on how to steer a Super Rugby side, with Queensland smashed 47-3 on Friday at Canberra Stadium.
With the scoreline a record-winning margin between the two sides – Hunt’s season-opening rugby debut won’t be featuring in his stellar highlight reel.
Wallabies playmaker Toomua cut him in half with a trademark bone-rattler in the 11th minute, before running over him in the second half to bring up the Brumbies’ third try.
The Reds were extremely ill-disciplined, and the Brumbies benefited greatly from big Nic White touch finders and then near-unstoppable rolling mauls.
So desperate were the Reds to stop the mauls that James Horwill received his second yellow card, leaving the field in the 76th minute.
When the Reds did get their hands on the ball, they displayed impatience and poor structure.
Hunt often found himself short of front-foot runners due to the Brumbies’ blitz defence.
It took the Brumbies just five minutes to get on the board.
A strong run by prop Scott Sio sucked in several midfield Reds defenders, with fullback Robbie Coleman then finding space out wide.
Christian Lealiifano showed no early signs of his 2014 kicking woes, knocking over the conversion and then three penalties to put the Brumbies up 16-0 after 28 minutes.
Hunt was harshly penalised for not using his arms in a tackle in the 19th minute, and the resulting lineout looked destined for a try until David Pocock dropped the ball over the line from the back of another rolling maul.
Hunt finally put the Reds on the board with a 40m penalty goal in the 34th minute, their lack of chances partly due to their sloppiness at the breakdown.
Man-of-the-match Pocock was otherwise solid in his comeback game from his second knee reconstruction, likewise Stephen Moore, who came on in the 50th minute.
The Reds gave away their 14th penalty in the shadows of halftime, compared to the Brumbies’ four, and it cost them dearly.
Joe Tomane scored in the corner after a well-executed rolling maul for a 21-3 lead.
Referee Angus Gardner finally gave Horwill his first yellow following numerous warnings after halftime, with Toomua rolling over Hunt two minutes later to extend the lead to 28-3.
Halfback White then grubbered the ball through Will Genia’s legs and outraced Hunt to the ball to bring up the Brumbies’ bonus try.
Toomua put over Tevita Kuridrani for the fifth try, before reserve back James Dargaville crossed over on debut.
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks toa. Its the 2nd most painful thing I've written on this site.
toa
Guest
Good summary, great observation!!!
RobC
Roar Guru
I think Gardner was ok. He communicated clearly his expectations: - he wanted v quick flowing game. Along the lines of SANZARs ref 2015 policy - he wants people to come in right through the gate. Though in his case, it around the size of a pet door :) - he allows the dominant team in contact some leeway / minor reward
RobC
Roar Guru
Another proven line bender is CFS. Talakai I think also, should be a bender. But didnt get a chance, yet
RobC
Roar Guru
Yup. Their attacking rucks was poor. Its high-risk and complicated: - Like planning for operation desert storm. - Except all the departments of war is not ready or coordinated for engagement. I think they were trying to do the same as their Crusaders game, to allow for expansive forward game: - Pod of two pummels in the contact area against semi-isolated defenders. - High-speed as opposed to the Tahs 'rumble' - A third rucker to comes in quickly to clear out who ever is left - Quick recycle and repeat at full pace, for the next semi-isolated defenders Its high-risk, fancy stuff. Like desert storm. But failed: - mini-attack Pods were running into fortified defences, and not moving them or isolating - too small / weak to pressure them. - They just kept going and going, without coordinating, assessing - The third+ rucker was split second too slow - Defenders picked off pods at will They should have a basic mode, which allows them to setup the attack - esp off line benders like Horwill, Slipper and Kerevi. Then rev up the attack. Im sure they have all this planned. But it was just very poorly executed by the pack and onfield forwards leadership.The fact that Slips had to counsel the ref about this was telling. Whats worse, they got on the wrong side of the ref on defensive rucks Once (if ever) they get it right, I think its going to be v good
RobC
Roar Guru
Sio was my man.
RobC
Roar Guru
From what I noticed, Gardner rules his loose scrum, like his scrums: - if attacking team dominates the contact area and the opponent is anywhere near the cycle area: ping. Rolling away after tackle or tussle, not relevant - if the team is falling backward in contact. If they come in an slight angle or not dead centre: ping - if the attack team with the ball is under some pressure, and cannot recycle immediately: ping - if the tackled person is moving forward in the tackle, and not immediately released. irrespective if the tackle is clearly completed our not: ping - For him, it seems he was looking at who had momentum in the contact area. Forwards should go in only from dead in front. Otherwise, setup for the next cycle and wait for the pilfer, or a better collision. Forwards should know at what point they can win the collision - because at this point the ref is on their side. If they are not. setup for the next phase in defence.
Andy
Guest
I understand the point you are trying to make but I don't agree with it. The responsibility lies more with the players than the ref. to be fair, Horwill could have been sent before he actually did. He got away with a blatant shoulder charge on Carter so the red did show some leniency when he didn't have to. He was also slowing the ball all day even after his first yellow. In fairness to Gardener he is usually a really food ref who lets the game flow. One of only a few. The main issue in this game was the Reds discipline which was "never seen before" horrendous. And look, if he ignores multiple infringements and doesn't send players off by the laws of the game he is not doing his job properly. I think your frustration should be more directed at the Reds indicipline than the ref who has no control of it
Phantom
Roar Rookie
Well done Brumbies. I pick them to win the Australian conference so it seems that they have made a perfect start. My gripe is that I want the refs to all sing from the same hymn sheet. Inconsistent variations are a blight on the game
neil
Guest
Impossible for a #10 to rule with crap ball like that.
Jimbo81
Guest
So Horwill out for 3 weeks but nothing for this: http://youtu.be/L3dSb4lmTcg
Rugby Fixation
Roar Guru
Do you think it's worth bringing in Frisby and McDuling now so that they have more time to adapt to the Reds back line for next season? They definitely have a lot more to prove, especially McDuling given competition for places, and it might motivate Genia and Horwill to finish on a high and prove their world cup credentials.
Rugby Fixation
Roar Guru
No one has forgiven him for that kick against the All Blacks that allowed them time to score the winning try. Though I'm not his biggest fan, he is a good player, especially at Super level, but Australians (myself included) are great at holding grudges
Rugby Fixation
Roar Guru
Agreed. It was impossible for us to impose ourselves when our forwards gave away a bounty of penalties and White was able to kick them down to our try line. Not too mention the lack of imagination our outside backs had to get past classier Brumbies outside backs. Hunt, JJ and Chris Kuridrani just need more time at this level to learn the ropes and develop their skills at a higher level.
Timothy Schuster
Guest
Richard Graham is clearly the problem here. The Reds will get toweled until he leaves. Huge game at home next week for the Reds. Hope the faithful keep turning up.
Timothy Schuster
Guest
RG is as popular as Tony Abbott. I wonder who will be sacked first?. Both have earned it.
Timothy Schuster
Guest
He is hated. Unfairly so. He's a top super rugby player.
Timothy Schuster
Guest
The Reds are disorganised around the ruck. If Graham were sacked tomorrow performances would improve by 20% on attitude alone. He's clearly lost the dressing room as players couldn't even get up for the first game of the season.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Did anyone ever think it would be any different. So predictable. I hope reds fans stop saying how great Gill and Horwill are. They are crud
Redbull
Guest
Nader tried this line as well. But watch it again. It is in fact very good work from Sam Carter to turn Horwill back into the ruck and force the penalty