Match Result:
An interesting game of two halves. The Brumbies were terrific in the opening half with David Pocock making the most of the rolling maul to get a first half hat-trick.
In the second half the Brumbies were kept scoreless, while the Highlanders staged a mini fightback. You could argue if the Highlanders were at full strength they could have really pressed for a win but it just wasn’t too be.
In the end it’s the Brumbies 31 defeating the Highlanders 18.
Match Preview:
The Brumbies are keen to maintain their lead at the top of the Australian conference when they face the Highlanders, who will look to continue their outstanding form. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7:20pm (AEST).
This is the second year in a row that the Brumbies have hosted an Anzac week fixture, and they will be bolstered by the return of Tevita Kuridrani.
Stephen Larkham has continued to play musical backline, with Robbie Coleman moving into the centres, Jessie Mogg to fullback, Michael Dowsett into scrum half, with Joe Powell starting on the bench.
Ita Vaea comes into the starting line up with Jarrad Butler moving to the bench. For the first time ever in Brumbies history two brothers will start in the front row with Ruan and JP Smith propping up Stephen Moore. Not since George and Tyrone Smith in 2010 have two brothers started together, while Anthony and Saia Fainga’a round out the only other sibling combination for the Brumbies, last sighted in 2008.
Unfortunately for the Brumbies Sam Carter won’t play, with the Wallaby taking a week off on compassionate leave following the death of a close mate.
The Brumbies will be desperate to recapture their early season form and legitimise their position on the ladder. Injuries have partially derailed their season, but with talent still available this will be a good test.
As for their opponents, they have opted to rest three All Blacks in what could be a risky choice. Ben and Aaron Smith and Malakai Fekitoa are all taking one of their mandatory rest periods this week, erasing a lot of the Highlanders’ firepower. There is still plenty of it though with Waisaki Naholo, Shaun Treeby and Patrick Osborne all still available.
Trent Renata moves to fullback and Richard Buckman will play in the centres. Funny man Fumiaki Tanaka will get a start at scrum half.
Prediction
It’s hard to get a handle on these teams especially with so many changes this week.
The Brumbies suffered a close loss two weeks ago to the Blues, while the Highlanders extended a strong lead last week only to nearly be run down by the gallant Blues.
With so much experience out for the Highlanders it’ll be hard for them to overcome the Brumbies in Canberra.
Brumbies by 7.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Mate, that is dedication! At a match all I'd want to do is soak in the atmosphere...
Stu. B.
Guest
lets take the win but don't get to carried away,the highlanders were away down on personal,not only 3 spectacular backs but I believe 7 forwards were on the injury list hence they finished the game using 14 men.
Harry Jones
Expert
I'm blogging Stormers v Bulls live in the stands at Newlands. It's my first time to try that. Prepare for incoherence.
RobC
Roar Guru
RT. Tahs Rebs mate. I wanted to do Stormers Bulls, but since Ive got an early Sunday. And the match is 1am. I was able to pick a reasonable timeslot.
RobC
Roar Guru
pssst Handles..... no Kerevi?
Jono
Guest
Oh well my big call last week fell at the first hurdle...maybe I can postdate it to this week. Nice to get a win, even if it is over a weakened side. The big negative is that the second half was more of the same from the Brumbies for the season. They seem able to put points on early, but going on with in the second half (I think someone stated they had one of the worst 4 quarter attacking stats in the comp not too long ago) continues to allude them.
Handles
Roar Guru
That is the consensus. But Cheika will pick Hooper and Palu for sure.
Handles
Roar Guru
Full strength Reds: Slipper Faingaa Holmes Simmons Horwill Gill Schatz - all Wallabies and Thompson, All Black Genia Cooper F Sautia Tapuai Turner O'Connor Fainga'a Turner - all Wallabies That is 15.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Which matches are you blogging this weekend mate?
Jerry
Guest
I dunno, I suspect Joseph figures he may as well get the rest games out of the way and concentrate on the other matches. So in that regard, it makes sense to rest them all against a tough non conference opponent away. It's gonna take a toll whenever he rests them as the Highlanders rely so heavily on them. But yeah, none of those 3 were gonna stop a rolling maul.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Clifto, not sure if it was arrogance per sec to rest all three. As I understand it, this decision was made some time ago (before the Brumbies had there half way stumbles) as it was believed that it was a game they could not win so as they had to rest each AB in their squad a couple of games. In reality, I look on it as an endorsement on the merits of the Brumbies. You are certainly correct in that the Bumbies forwards had the wood over the Highlanders pack which pathed the way for victory with the forwards scoring 3 of the 4 tries scored by them.
Clifto
Guest
Arrogance or bad planning for the 3 top All Black backs to be rested in the same match? Though it has to be said the Landers were outclassed in the forwards anyway...
Steve
Guest
MAC the Brumbies had I think two Wallabies in the squad when Jake White took over. All their best players have been developed within the program - Why should they be penalised for that?
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
Cheers, Brent
Harry
Guest
Brumbies backrow all impressive - Vaea possible impact or starting. Speight looking better as well.
Harry Jones
Expert
I like the "great kick-perfect strike-it's over-no it's not."
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Time and lower level competition development. There is no quick fix.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Cheers RT!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Thanks WM!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Thanks everyone! Always enjoyable when there is plenty of people online, gotta love the banter :)