The Brumbies say departing coach Dan McKellar deserves to go out a winner as they begin preparations for their sudden-death Super Rugby Pacific finals clash with the Hurricanes.
The Brumbies host the men from Wellington in week one of the playoffs on Saturday night, determined to extend McKellar’s tenure for as long as possible.
McKellar is moving to a full-time role with the Wallabies with former coach Stephen Larkham returning to Canberra next season.
Young lock Tom Hooper, who is hopeful of returning from injury against the Hurricanes, said the team wanted to show McKellar their appreciation.
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“All the boys owe a lot to Dan and we’re going to show our appreciation to him by really putting in over the next three weeks,” Hooper said of McKellar, who has been coach since 2018.
“He’s a great coach and he deserves nothing but that.”
Hooper said the team had been disappointed with their recent run of three straight losses after a stellar start to the season.
Their final round defeat by lowly Moana Pasifika, which followed a two-point loss to the ladder-leading Blues while they also fell to the Crusaders.
“Moana definitely showed up, playing their last game of the season and playing for their skipper (Christian Lealiifano) in his 150th.
“We’ve got to be better next week and we will be.”
(Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
Hooper, who on Monday announced a two year contract extension, said they were looking to start fresh in the finals.
They are hopeful of getting powerhouse flanker Rob Valetini back in the line-up after missing three weeks with a hamstring injury.
“We are three straight losses but finals footy is completely different,” the 21-year-old said.
“We will probably have to face New Zealand teams from now on and to take on the Hurricanes is the first challenge and one we’re up for.”
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Trytime
Guest
Laurie Fisher is Mckellars security blanket! Dummy or whatever you like to call it! McKellar will be lost at the wallabies without it!
Connor33
Guest
Don’t k ow who the NZ half back was in 1965, but I j ow who the AU one was— “Catchpole played South Africa in Australia in 1965, where the Wallabies won both tests in a two-game series over the Springboks.” He was the greatest halfback of all time, and I wasn’t even alive to see him. But don’t ask NZ what Sir Meads did to Catchpole, and people decry under arm bowling. Sir Mead is a national disgrace.
Connor33
Guest
Fisher is excellent. But you’ve failed to really think this comment through and the fact that they have worked together for years…shouldn’t that history deliver a better McKellar?
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
Yep, the powers that be have been paying McKellar for no good reason. What would they know? Obviously not as much as our mate Trytime...
Connor33
Guest
Franks will be called out for dipping his chest per Nic’s article a few weeks back re the Tahs game. Slipper and AAT are to Amat not to point that out even before the first scrum.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
I always laugh when they decree they will put in an extra effort because "insert someone leaving/someones 100th game/etc". Is it not too much to expect players to put in 100% every game...
Connor33
Guest
I’ve got no concerns about Larkham’s coaching ability. If I recall, he was an assistant in 2013 when the Brumbies nearly pulled off the title in NZ against a very well trained Rennie side. As for Cheika, I’ll not deny that I was a believer given what he did in 2015 - no 2 in the world; and keeping AU in the top 3-4 in 2016-2017. But want he did with Larkham was unforgivable after he had asked Larkham to go full time with AU (having the Brumbies full time). I think this is awesome that he can reboot, with his young family in Canberra for another 4 years—and then work back into the Wallabies set up. Smith was a damn good coach in NZ and ran the NZ team for years albeit under Hansen. I can only hope Larkham can get the credit which Smith did not when Larkham becomes head coach of the Wallabies. I’ve got money on it despite being a 6-7 year bet and probably back through a well respected Wallaby assistant role. We’ll see….
Double Agent
Guest
I see you've edited that post Tim. I think it still needs a little work! :silly:
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Charming stuff. Thanks for popping in
RoaringChicken
Roar Rookie
Sigh
Trytime
Guest
Good riddance Mckellar You are nothing without Laurie Fisher. Wallabies will be for the worse. You will see nothing will change at brumbies with Markham and Fisher. Fisher is the reason for brumbies.
Sinclair Whitbourne
Roar Rookie
A close to fully fit Valetini is really important for the Brumbies. In both attack and defence he provides the extra punch that gives others a vital moment extra to do things. Then there are the individual moments he brings, like the kick and chase try he scored. I will be very interested in what tactics the Brumbies pull out. It is likely to be wet underfoot and these are not conditions that typically suit the Brumbies best. However, as the Oz side with the best kicking game they are better equipped than the rest to manage conditions. I expect the Hurricanes back 3 to get more support around them in case of a repeat of the kicking tactics from last time. I would expect that the Hurricanes will look closely at starting Franks and also choice of starting 10. Makeup of back 3 and getting Jordie more closely involved with ball in hand? Like the Highlanders, this side are not what they were, but they remain a potent side with some tremendous quality if they can get it clicking. I love watching Ardie and it is a bit like the return of a long lost friend to see Franks in a scrum again - hoping there are plenty of them. For mine the Brumbies (and NSW) have outperformed expectations. The Brumbies seem to me to be the Oz side with the best chance of making it through the weekend, but my expectation is that odds are on all 3 being knocked out. NSW v Waikato/Chiefs could be a cracker as both sides play quite a similar style. Regardless, great to have rugby to watch.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
One thing is certain this week. The Brums will roll out their first picked players in each position. Hopefully Valetini is 100% fit to play and RA don't try to influence his return ( from the Wallaby perspective). Suspect the Brums will unlesh on the Canes in Canberra. It only gets harder after that. I do wonder how Larkham will go. Great player blah blah but as a coach, I'm just not sure. Go Brumbies !
P2R2
Roar Rookie
who was the AB No.9 circa 1965 - I know
P2R2
Roar Rookie
a million miles away - a bit of theatrical licence there mate....
P2R2
Roar Rookie
Yes - do it for Dan - don't do it for yourselves.....
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I reckon they can take the Canes without him but they'll need Valentini to move further. For the good of the Brums and the Wallabies, please don't rush him back
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Lol.. I am always telling my wife why is the oven still on, her reply oven no longer produces :silly: 1981 on I produce in trivia as I am a 70s born man.
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
Haha, you need a memory like I've got MK, very selective. Anything important like did I turn off the lights, I forget. But trivia or anything irrelevant like who was the ABs scrum half in 1965, I'm great on.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
My memory is lacking Colvin, as I forgot that he was assistant under Cheika.