I strangely enjoyed the maul-fest that was the Brumbies versus Bulls on Friday night. Usually I prefer a free flowing game but I loved the intensity both teams showed.
In particular I enjoyed the Bulls’ game. With no Plan B available due to the personnel at their disposal the Bulls played to type and they did it well.
The Brumbies, however, have a few things to work out.
The performance was spirited and as a good team does they pulled out the win. The Brumbies’ not so secret weapon has been the driving maul, with David Pocock collecting tries for fun.
Yet I saw a few coaching mistakes from the Brumbies that should have been corrected during the match but were not.
First, the Bulls were expected to come out playing tight rugby, they actual came to play, throwing the ball around as best they can. I believe this is what had the Brumbies a little rattled (or looking rusty) for most of the first half.
Joe Tomane was a revelation under the high ball, I have been yelling at the TV for years over his crocodile snap catching. He has been working hard and it is appreciated by my wife.
Second half the Brumbies sped up the game and grabbed a few deserved tries before succumbing to the Bulls’ switch back to a driving maul game. The Bulls were clearly superior in this area and started to take control of the match, and were a little unlucky in the end not to grind out a great comeback.
The problem as I see it is that the Brumbies didn’t continue the more attacking, open play they came out with after half-time, the play that worked so well.
The Bulls defence was fantastic, however they were continually moving outwards, pushing toward the sidelines. There was always space for an inside runner one or two passes off the ruck. The Brumbies actually took advantage of this a few times during their 20-minute burst of playing open rugby, utilising their backline. Yet somehow they were sucked back into a forward-orientated game which allowed the Bulls back in.
Pocock, a great talent, has been fooled into believing he is an exceptional mauling forward. He is not. He is but a mere mortal. The Bulls dominated in this area and a change should have been made.
All in all a solid win, but with the right tactics a bonus point and an easier victory could have been achieved.
Utah
Guest
I agree. I don't understand why he stands over the ball for so long. Surely quick ball would catch the defence on the back foot? It must be a team directive, as they've been doing it for the last couple of years, but I just don't see the sense in it. When he does pass it is actually very crisp and direct.
PeterK
Roar Guru
a silver lining for the wallabies in carters injury. They have to pick another lock for the rc. Lets just hope they do not go with the same old and retain Horwill. It should be Skelton, Simmons and one other or Skelton + 2 others
Adam
Roar Guru
But it's only because they are cynical in the red zone...
The Sheriff
Guest
The Brumbies attack was severely hampered by Nic White's inactivity at the base of the ruck. Look at the replay and count how many times the referee told him to "use it". When he did use it., without delay, the Brumbies broke the line and scored. White played his way out of the Wallabies because this is not the way the Wallabies play. I am surprised Larkham left him on. If Larkham approved (and he is the backs coach of the Wallabies) we are in trouble.
Meng
Guest
Interesting analysis, but if your article didn't state the fact that the Brumbies won, anyone could have been fooled into thinking the Bulls won by 30 points, after all they dominated for 60 minutes, right? You mentioned the Bulls' defence, which was only just good enough not to concede a four-try bonus point, whereas the only try the Brumbies conceded came in the 70th minute. Which defence was better? You mentioned the Brumbies attacking superiority, but it's their defence which should be rated more highly... it's actually the best in the competition.
hasbeen flanker
Guest
Good piece Mark. I also enjoyed the match and the mauls. Listening to assistant Brumbies coach Dan McK at halftime, the plan was clear for the 2nd half and the execution followed...at least for the 3rd quarter of the match. I felt that the bulls showed some spirit thru their superiority in tight at the maul and scrum (Alexander dominated) which helped them claw their way back. It was probably in the back end of the game when the fitness/cramping issues started to tell a bit as Mark R alludes to. Still and all, a win is a win for the Brumbies and very nice to see such well constructed mauls. This is a great point of difference in our code.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Your observation re rustiness is correct. Stephen Larkham was on Canberra Grandstand Saturday morning where he explained that the team was given the whole week off after returning from the Republic around the bye, whereas normally they get a couple of days off. He also believes it affected fitness with several players cramping up and Rory Arnold having to play much longer than expected due to Sam Carter's injury.