The Brumbies got back to their trademark winning ways with a gritty victory over an improving Fijian Drua side, taking the match 33-12 and securing the bonus-point try in the 81st minute at Suncorp Stadium.
After a disappointing performance against the Reds in Queensland the week before, where the forward pack in particular was dominated and out enthused by a hungry Reds outfit, the Brumbies found their groove in an impressive display on Saturday night.
Following their first loss of the season against the Reds last week, Dan McKellar looked to utilise the impressive depth of the Brumbies squad to provide rotation and rest to his squad before facing off in crucial clashes against the Highlanders and Hurricanes in the coming weeks.
The Brumbies’ rotation included the exclusion of captain Allan Alaalatoa, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Folau Fainga’a, Lachie Lonergan and other injuries of Tom Banks, Jesse Mogg, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Noah Lolesio and Cadeyrn Neville.
Making way for 11-time Chiefs prop Sefo Kautai, several players including Tom Hooper, Billy Pollard, 34-time Scarlets backrower Ed Kennedy, Rod Iona, Ollie Sapsford, Cam Clarke and Connal McInerney have had increased game time.
Despite this overhaul of players, the Brumbies continued to look dominate and in control throughout the match in facing a dangerous Fijian outfit.
In the opening five minutes of the fixture, a terrific set backline play with Len Ikitau running the decoy which attracted three defenders, enabled Rod Iona to put Tom Wright through for a try unmarked in the corner.
If needed, Andy Muirhead was also unmarked to the left of the fullback and Cam Clarke also likely would of scored if Iona had opted to feed a short ball off the shoulder to him.
Again in the 18th minute, a set play off the lineout with Billy Pollard charging close to the line, unlocked the backline with Andy Muirhead throwing a terrific cut-out pass to Cam Clarke for his second try in the last two matches.
The speed and swiftness of the Brumbies backline, even without key players such as Lolesio, Mogg and Banks, is a positive sign for the team’s chances against Kiwi teams that have plenty of points in them.
With both Banks and Lolesio expected back for the crucial clash against the Highlanders after the bye, positive signs are showing for the Brumbies.
The Brumbies’ maul was also used effectively, with two tries coming from dominant mauls close to the Drua line.
In the 45th minute, Darcy Swain won the ball in the air and a dominant Brumbies’ maul from 10 metres out peeled around to give Billy Pollard his first Super Rugby try in only his third appearance.
The maul expertise from assistant coach Laurie Fisher and the Brumbies locks Darcy Swain, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville and Tom Hooper will be vital to the Brumbies’ success coming into the business end of the season.
This is seen again in 60th minute, with Nick Frost winning the lineout in the air, and with a strong eight-man maul Wallaby Connal McInerney crashed over to further extend the Brumbies’ lead.
In the 81st Minute, a turnover from the Brumbies led to McInerney linking with fullback Tom Wright, across to Rod Iona, and then to Hudson Creighton who put on a sharp right-footed step, and then threw a pass to Wright who went under the posts for the bonus point try.
If the Brumbies are able to continue this potency in attack both in the backs and in the forwards, and with the addition of returning stars Banks, Lolesio, Mogg and Feauai-Sautia, they could potentially beat some Kiwi teams and secure a home quarter-final.
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
Good read Oscar :rugby: I think you are right. The Brumbies have got a lot more to give this season. The game against the Reds was an off night (and I'm a Reds fan). Reckon Nic White holds the key to them against the Kiwis. When he is on, he is as good as any 9 in the world. He plays very well against the Kiwis (3 of his 5 international tries are against the ABs and has the best win % record against them of any current ozzie player). Just wish he would focus on his game rather than mouthing off the whole time! The Highlanders game will be interesting because I think Aaron Smith has been a bit off for the ABs at the end of last year and this year for the Highlanders. Not sure if he has a little injury???
moondoggie
Roar Rookie
I think Neville could be back for Super round, so will see where he fits in. Could even put Frost at 6, Samu at 7 and Valetini at 8 with Swain and Neville at lock. Hooker will be a tough call...no-one has really stood out but also haven't had the opportunity. I suspect he will still pick FF, but Pollard looks the best of the rest to me.
Markus
Roar Rookie
Barring injuries I think the team they fielded against the Reds in both matches is the clear first XXIII. That is Faingaa and Lonergan as preferred hookers, Jahrome Brown at openside. Lolesio and Banks to come back from injury, as well as Neville who missed both Reds games but should slot straight back into the XV as he provides better balance to the starting locks. Mogg and Feauai-Sautia the top reserve backs if both fit.
Oscar
Roar Rookie
Folau Fainga’a is moving to the Western Force, so it will be interesting to see if they pick him for the rest of season. I assume Jahrome Brown will be picked at 7 and the second rowers will be Swain and Frost, with Hooper off the bench. Not sure when Neville is back though. Thanks for contributing.
Joshua Makepeace
Roar Rookie
I wonder if, it was somehow possible, Brumbies fans would want their ex-head coach Eddie Jones back at the club. At this current stage in time, I'm not so sure if they would.
moondoggie
Roar Rookie
Back half of the season will be very interesting. McKellar has clearly been tapering the team's workload to increase performance in the final rounds. Plus he has been giving the wider squad good opportunities. But he'll need to settle on a first XXIII now and stop the chopping and changing. I wonder what his first choice hooker and lock will be... openside flanker and reserve backs probably the only other positions not settled
DJ
Roar Rookie
Cheers Oscar, while injuries are never any good, it's good to see some of the squad getting a run. Billy Pollard and Tom Hooper have been good in his opportunities this year. Good for Rodney to get some game in his legs too and he's going ok. The bye will be quite handy - looking forward to the Super Round in Melbourne.
Richie
Roar Rookie
They’ve been preparing for the kiwis, so let’s see how they fare.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Nice read Oscar about the leaders of the Aussie teams. Too much is often said about the second best mob, the Reds and of course, the Tahs. Brumbies just seem to be building quite nicely for the run home.