The Brumbies try to shake off the disappointment of a one-point loss to the Stormers, by visiting the Golden Lions in their lofty Ellis Park lair; the Australians are seen as a likely finalist, whilst the home team is routinely ignored as a contender.
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Meanwhile, the Brumbies have failed to close out wins recently, despite having one of the world’s most influential players, David Pocock, the wrecker of phases, the thief of possession, and the ethical compass (except at rucks) of rugby.
The team from Canberra has a dozen or more international-level players, and if a composite team were formed, the Lions might only be represented by one man: their captain.
Warren Whiteley is the leading tackler in Super Rugby. He has completed 174 tackles, whilst missing less than a handful. If he does miss one this weekend, second-leading tackler Warwick Tecklenburg could run on from the bench and lend a hand.
The Brumbies will hope to make the Lions tackle all day. Ackermann says the Lions will need to change their strategy, because the Brumbies “will keep the ball for many phases; we’ll have to be patient and disciplined.”
Normally, the Brumbies are disciplined, with captain Stephen Moore in charge. But last week, they came to Newlands with a clear game plan of provocation, off-the-ball niggle, and ferocious breakdown skirmishes. Look for the visitors to cool it a bit, this week, as they are not facing Schalk Burger, but Schalk van der Merwe, and not the abrasive Thor Vermeulen, but the baby faced No 8 Whiteley.
Still, Jaco Kriel brings a fair amount of mongrel for the Lions, Pocock knows only one way to play, Scott Fardy can bring the wood, and Rory Arnold is no lightweight. Thus, both set of kickers (will it be Nic White, Jesse Mogg, or Christian Lealiifano?) will need to be accurate, in the thin air, where 60 metres is not out of the question for a pot shot.
Elton Jantjies and Faf de Klerk made a real difference last week, when they came on; this week, they will start. For the Brumbies, Matt Toomua makes a welcome return.
One would think the punch of Tevita Kuridrani, Henry Speight, and Joe Tomane would outweigh the less lethal talents of Andries Coetzee, Harold Vorster, and Ruan Combrinck, but the Lions have been exceeding expectations all year.
They will need to use quick lineouts and the pass to score enough to win.
If Pocock is the most influential player on the field, the Brumbies will win. He may be a saint off the field, but on the pitch, he is a stone cold killer. Toomua may also tip the scales. The Lions play more of an all-team game, but if Kriel can keep Pocock honest, it might be eight wins–and a record–for the team from the Big Smoke.
Prediction: Lions by 1, courtesy of too many infringements.
Harry Jones
Expert
G'day, Rugby Tragic! The Brumbies and the ref were clinical, for the most part. The Lions panicked a few times and it cost them about 17 points.
Harry Jones
Expert
You will find that Peyper was masterful as ref!
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Thanks Harry, presently in WA who think the only footie code is AFL so only chance of catching up is through "livescrores" as to what 'is the score'. Spent the early hours of this morning reading posts of each game from the being of each blog! Great stuff thanks again.
Harry
Guest
Well played Brumbies, really good team performance. Their big outside backs - Kuridrani, Speight, Tomane - were powerful without being overwhelming yet but on the right track. Forwards very impressive, particularly Pocock, though Fardy strangely quiet. The only downside was the scrum was penalised all night long. Ben Alexander again showing that despite his gutsy and busy game around the park he can't be picked as a test tighthead if we want to get beyond the group stage at RWC15. And worringly Kepu and the Tahs scrum were poor last night as well and bled penalties.
Mike
Guest
Congrats Brumbies, staying ahead of Tahs and well deserved.
Digby
Roar Guru
Good to read again Harry, thank you. Hopefully will catch a replay later.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Kinda Off topic but Congrats to Australian Womens Sevens Team for winning London World Series Sevens Tournament :-)
RobC
Roar Guru
Excellent Harry. Sorry my feed died all of a sudden. Missed the last few minutes! Thanks for an excellent call. Looks like Brumbies used the pack to jab, and the backs for the knock out. Or was that the other way around? Lions 2H voodoo not powerful enough.
Harry Jones
Expert
Thanks, fellas. Nic White was my MoM. Great pass on that ----. Kicked well. Bantam general. I'm eating Malay food, Rob!
Harry Jones
Expert
Tough road to the playoffs for the Lions. The Brumbies helped their cause a great deal.
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
Yep, thanks, Harry! Great blog as always.
Oscar Redding
Guest
Cheers Harry, Sky was't playing it, can't believe it, great to have you saying it how it was. Any word on Toomua?
Harry Jones
Expert
Cheers!
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Thanks Harry
Harry Jones
Expert
Huge break by Vorster. But he runs out of space and support. No offload; it was needed. FULL TIME. 30-20 The Brumbies were better, more polished, more dangerous, and frankly, smarter. But the Lions finished strong. Tough loss; they simply don't have game breakers.
Lostintokyo
Guest
Thanks Harry.
Harry Jones
Expert
The Lions bash away at the Brumby line. Can they score a consolation try? Yes! TRY Andries Coetzee. Well-deserved. 30-20 One minute to get a losing bonus point.
Lostintokyo
Guest
Other than the scrum, the Brumbies can feel happy with that.
Harry Jones
Expert
This is looking like a very important bonus point win for the Brumbies, which will keep their race with the Watatahs very intriguing. Mogg bangs over a high altitude penalty goal. Jeez, this boy can kick! 30-13 Brumbies 76:40
Alex L
Roar Rookie
If the Lions manage this I will purchase a hat so I can eat it.