Their off-field drama is seemingly over, but the Brumbies now have a fight on their hands to make the Super Rugby finals after losing to the Highlanders on Saturday.
The 23-10 defeat in Invercargill was their fourth in six matches and second in a row following last week’s record thumping in Canberra by the Crusaders.
Just as the full-time siren sounded in New Zealand’s deep south, news broke that chief executive Michael Jones had agreed to leave the club next week after reaching a confidential settlement.
It brings to an end months of turmoil that began when Jones was stood down by the board on March 21.
But now begins the on-field battle, with the Brumbies wallowing in sixth on the Australasian ladder and second in the local conference behind the Melbourne Rebels – who were earlier beaten by the Blues.
And they have a short turnaround before hosting the Bulls on Friday, followed by the Rebels at AAMI Park before the June international break.
Even before Saturday’s loss at a wet Rugby Park, things didn’t go the Brumbies’ way with their bus breaking down before it left the team hotel – leaving players to catch taxis to the ground.
They enjoyed a massive 75 per cent possession and four times as many rucks and mauls but could not get past a resolute Highlanders defence.
Even with superstar flanker David Pocock back from a two-game suspension, they scored just one try off their trademark rolling maul via Josh Mann-Rea in the 50th minute.
“We had a lot of time with the ball, we just needed to consolidate when we had it,” co-captain Christian Lealiifano said.
“They defended really well and it was tough for us to get over the line.”
Despite missing injured stars Stephen Moore (calf) and Joe Tomane (knee), they came out firing and dominated most of what was an arm wrestle of a first half in driving rain.
But they went into the break trailing 7-3, following a converted try to Lima Sopoaga on the stroke of half-time.
Another converted try early in the second term to Ben Smith took the hosts’ lead to 14-3 and proved a turning point, with three penalty goals sealing the victory for the Highlanders who snapped a two-game losing streak.
It was just their second win over the Brumbies in nine meetings.
CUW
Guest
Blues will rue the 2 points they dropped against the Reds and the point they dropped against rebels. that would have put them at 8 on the composite table.
taylorman
Roar Guru
True, wouldn't shut the Blues out yet either. Should the highlanders drop both the next games to the Chiefs and Crusaders and Blues beat the Kings and Lions they'll go to forth. That's a real possibility.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
The way NZ teams are taking points from out of the NZ conference they are keeping alive the small possibility of seeing four NZ teams contest the semi finals. That's possible right? If the Chiefs stay top they will host. That means the Highlanders, Crusaders and Hurricanes if they stayed in the wildcard spots would all travel to play the other conference winners, or would it be likely that one of the wildcard NZ teams would have to play the Chiefs?
CUW
Guest
Brumbies seriously need to solve their board room drama. it was reported just before ceo went , he was going to investigate 2 senior players. all this is rubbish. the players need clear heads to go out and play. they dont need suits on their backs ....
WEST
Roar Guru
A clean sweep for New Zealand Super Rugby sides. The Highlanders were forced to spend prolonged periods without the ball, with just 27 percent possession in the match and 25 percent territory. Great defensive effort by the Highlanders
MH01
Guest
I hate to say it, does Larkham need an attack coach? He was a great player, but the wallaby and Brumbies backline has really not fired. One would like to think the off field dramas have not effected them, though they really are not playing like a team that has confidence. They might get a few more touch ups along the way, and are lucky the Oz conference is all over the place , and still have time to steady the sheep after the internationals Break.
Selwyn
Guest
just keep going guys, things are gonna start going ur way at some point. GO BRUMBIES.