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Little moments. Rugby is won – and lost – on them. On Saturday, in the nation’s capital, the Reds lost them and return to Brisbane knowing a game perhaps slipped through their grasp as the Brumbies hung on to claim a 23-17 victory.
James O’Connor, one of two figures in Australian rugby along with Quade Cooper who remains a link between the old great generation and the burgeoning new one, knew the game was ripe for the taking.
“It was a good game. It was quick. That’s my first experience of the new Super laws and I was blowing out there. It was a good tempo,” O’Connor said.
“I just felt we lost a few moments there in the second half. They did well to hold us up twice and we couldn’t get across the line and that was that momentum shift they needed.”
James O’Connor turned the game after coming on after half-time in Canberra. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
The Brumbies’ stoicism and ability to back up and play for the person alongside them got them the victory.
Just as they made life hell for the Blues in last weekend’s upset victory in Melbourne, the Brumbies needed to show every bit of character to get them across the line against the fast-finishing Reds.
“The boys really dug in and [defence coach] Laurie [Fisher] said at the start of the season, the first couple of rounds is won off the back of defence,” Brumbies replacement halfback Ryan Lonergan said.
After an unusual opening half where the Brumbies led 13-0 in an open contest where New Zealand referee James Doleman allowed plenty of rope at the breakdown and Nic White’s dart at halfback was the only try, the game turned when O’Connor came on at half-time.
After being eased back in the final quarter of the Reds’ rout against the Force, Brad Thorn turned to his veteran back at half-time and as Justin Harrison said on the Stan Sport, he brought a sense of “swagger”.
It was as if the Reds just walked taller with their most experienced player on the field calling the shots.
Tom Lynagh hadn’t done much wrong, but O’Connor’s presence brought a settling feeling to the Reds’ line-up.
First, it was Harry Wilson charging into contact to score in the 46th minute.
Five minutes later, in-between a Noah Lolesio penalty, it was O’Connor’s brilliant short chip for his athletic fullback Jordan Petaia out wide on the wing.
While it was brilliantly executed, it was the play that was just as special.
Len Ikitau once again showed his class for the Brumbies with a polished display against the Reds at GIO Stadium on March 11, 2023, in Canberra. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
For too long Australian rugby has been reluctant to use the kick as a weapon. But with aerially gifted players like Petaia and Suliasi Vunivalu, as well as Mark Nawaqanitawase at the Waratahs, out wide, it’s a weapon Eddie Jones will want to see more. Just ask Lote Tuqiri.
The Brumbies steadied the ship with a rolling maul try to Lachlan Lonergan to give the home side breathing space.
But Petaia’s second well-taken try in the 69th minute meant the Brumbies’ lead had been reduced to less than a converted try.
Lolesio, who had a promising return to the No.10 jersey, looked like he had scored the match-winning try after 14 phases when under advantage. But his celebrations were cut short when Doleman’s assistants interjected after the referee’s earpiece went to sleep.
Despite missing out on seven, the Brumbies unusually elected for a shot at goals from out near the touchline. The kick just went wide, giving fans yet another frantic last few minutes between the two sides where the home side hung on.
“I think it was a quality game all round,” Lonergan said.
“I think we had a lot of momentum in the first 30 and then the Reds really had it for the rest of the game. The quality of their side they were always going to come back and we knew that and I think we did pretty well to stick it out.”
In an open game, the Brumbies’ back three looked lethal at times while Len Ikitau once again delivered a strong performance on the fringes.
But without Allan Alaalatoa (concussion), the Brumbies looked just short of some experience and leadership up front.
Meanwhile, O’Connor’s eye-catching performance was matched by the energy and on-ball presence of Fraser McReight.
Hunter Paisami, too, shone in the centres, before being forced off late with what appeared to be concussion. With Fiji Drua pulling off a stunning upset over the Crusaders, the Wallaby’s punch and physicality will be missed if indeed his concussion is confirmed.
“I’m really proud of that effort given that we gave them such a big head start,” Reds halfback Tate McDermott said.
“You give a team like the Brumbies that much of a start straight out of the gates, it’s very hard to claw back. But we showed when we hold the ball we’re a very good side.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.