Brumbies coach Dan McKellar says “honest reviews” will keep his side grounded ahead of their litmus test against the Highlanders next week.
The Brumbies have enjoyed a dream start to the Super Rugby season with two straight wins despite five Wallabies and 170 Test caps departing in the off-season.
They’ve won back-to-back Australian derbies against Queensland and the Melbourne Rebels but now face the Highlanders in round three.
McKellar knows his men know they aren’t world beaters yet but backed them to improve again as they chase 11 straight home wins next Saturday.
“You review honestly,” McKellar said when asked how to keep a lid on things.
“The boys are smart footballers, they understand there were some things to like about last week but we knew we could be a whole lot better and it will be exactly the same this week.
“We won’t be getting too far ahead of ourselves. The Highlanders were beaten (on Friday) – the Sharks have done us no favours there.
“New Zealand teams are always quality, they lose players and replace them with players we’ve never heard of, they’ve got great athletes over there.”
Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalotoa said New Zealand teams “play fast” and McKellar believes adapting in the key moments will prove the difference.
“Turnovers are critical against New Zealand sides,” McKellar said.
“The Highlanders have always been dangerous off turnover ball and the Chiefs (the following week) will be no different.
“That’s always a focus against New Zealand teams.
“They’re well coached the Highlanders, I’m sure they will be ready to bounce back and put in a good performance.
“But we need to enjoy the momentum we’re building and know (we’re) watching some exciting young talent that are the future of this club and Australian rugby.”
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
It definitely wasnt
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
It was more the ref caught on slipper was angling in
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Yeah, but then it was a penalty about 6 times in a row the other way.
Jacko
Guest
I do agree Red Block but when they do it quite often ( win without looking like the best team ) then you have to say they know how to win without dominating which is a good problem to have.
Jacko
Guest
Yeah I agree with that, It seemed a little bit like "half time swap sides" from the ref and if I was a Rebels supporter I would have been a bit Peed off by half time but then a Brumbies supporter would have been annoyed in that second half.
Mattress
Roar Rookie
You're absolutely right Red Block, it does sound like sour grapes.
Red Block
Roar Rookie
Morgan Turinui always talks about 'a body of work'. So let's look at what the Brumbies have really done. I know this will sound like sour grapes but... The Reds will look back at their trip to Canberra and see an opportunity missed. Largely due to some rookie errors and some very poor refereeing at the breakdown the Reds failed to finish the Brumbies off and consequently the Brumbies won a game they probably should have lost. Then they played the Rebels, who let's face it are woeful. It was amazing how much better they looked once Toomua and Hodge were off and Ryan Louwrens came on. Admittedly, their forwards improved but they are still a work in progress. So an unbiased look at the Brumbies may show they have overachieved. This is what the Brumbies have done for the last few years though. Consequently, they will probably win the Australian conference due to the other competing teams inadequacies.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Geez. I think it might be bias Fionn. Smith got penalised 4 times in the first half so I don’t know how you think the ref wasn’t giving the Brumbies scrum a fair shake!
Marco
Guest
Excellent start to the season by the Brumbies. Didn’t get to see the game. Did they get a good crowd?
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Unless they had that referee last night. Maybe it is my pro-Brumbies bias, but I couldn’t fathom his scrum calls for most of that match. Otherwise, I thought he had a good match.
jameswm
Roar Guru
If they have a decent scrum that alone will beat the Rebels.
Jacko
Guest
I cant see the Highlanders beating the Brumbies next week based on the way they played last night,. I dont think they would they would beat the Rebels either unless something changes quickly.
Highlander
Guest
Hmmmm.... Highlanders equals litmus test I think not
Tight-Head
Roar Rookie
All Aussie teams are unbeaten at home so far - hopefully the tahs keep the streak up!
Tooly
Roar Rookie
The Highlanders are not a test , litmus or otherwise.
My apologies, Yeah baby, yeah baby! :happy:
Paul D
Roar Rookie
In fairness it’s 2 rounds.
Love the title, unbeaten, one round, yeah baby!
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Great win. Lives the drop goal by Noah. He shows maturity beyond his years. Of course it helps the Brums are dominant in the forwards liked Kara as well. Bug tests coming in the next 2 weeks.