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.”
Cec
Roar Rookie
Don’t jinx :silly: him Ferret we’ll need him
Jimbo81
Roar Rookie
and his defence is non-existent
Barney
Roar Rookie
“ McKellar did hand over a team good in defence and mauls”…that would be Lord Laurie’s doing and he still has him
SensiblyCynical
Roar Rookie
Hi PK. Yes, I probably should have said, “Lolesio has a GOOD game”.
Armchair Halfback
Roar Rookie
I'm loving it that I need to look up my rugby app to work out which you whipper snapper is tearing it up at the Brumbies: "Rees No Neck you say"? :laughing:
Henry
Roar Rookie
"Unbeaten Brumbies hang on against Reds..." What! The Reds never looked like winning. Their scrum was pathetic. Young Lynagh is [assable but immature; after all, he's just 19. The biggest problem in the Reds is the great man, Thorn. He isn't up to the job. He's reached the limit of his ability and needs to go elsewhere and learn.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
Surely last night confirmed two things. 1) Petaia is more valuable on the wing than anywhere else. 2) Returning from injury, Campbell was safe in defence, decisive in his running getting his team on the front foot and communicated with his players well and put his support in good position or set the ball if that was not possible. He didn’t try to be a game winner but a team player.
Qualify
Guest
Not to mention their intent and tenacity at the breakdown. Amazing ruck speed. That's where the game was won and lost.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Pretty quite? Or quite pretty? Either way, I’m not sure it’s relevant to selections :silly:
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
Your right TF. We’re here to watch and the players are there to play. As for 9s putting the ball in straight, show me one who does!
Dean
Roar Rookie
Phil, if I have upset or triggered you, I apologise. It is just a game mate, a game that we love, but just a game.
Dean
Roar Rookie
I wonder how the Rebels Canham would go at 6 as well. So great that we are having such discussions and some differences of opinion, surrounding the second and back row. A great discussion to be having. It has been a very long time since we had any depth in those positions.
John Ferguson
Expert
Thanks for the recap Christy. I watched it and thought it was a very scrappy game, not inthe traditional sense, just a lot of ruck disruption. I was very impressed when O'Connor came on, good start to the season. Lolesio was kept on because Larkham trusted him to keep the ship steadied in the absence of captain nick white. Lolesio grew into his role especially when O'Connor came on, good match-up. He needs to fix his defence and Jones will let him know about it, missed 4 by my count, but broke a few too. Petaia was solid, Toole as well, needs more space. Frost and Neville were dominant especially at lineout. Wilson is falling into the trap of running direct and forgetting his footwork. It may work in the Aussie derbys at Super level but he will (like he did last year) get smashed at international level or against the other teams. Why does he not get it, he's not the biggest guy on the field. Daugunu has played his way into my reckoning, great effort and quick feet. Ikitau on Paisami, Ikitau won that. He is elite and rapid.
John Ferguson
Expert
PeterK I like your comment on Sio, Koroibete is still a different class to the others so I would still pick him. It will depend if we need a front rower or a 10. Kerevi is more valuable than Cooper. Because what if QC get's injured again, we are at square one. I would much rather sure up the rest of the team.
Jezdexter
Roar Rookie
100% this is why I'm glad to see Debraz and Larkham at the Brumbies. Lolesio is 22. He's been the first choice 10 at the Brumbies since he was 19. He's never had a senior 10 to help him develop.
Jezdexter
Roar Rookie
One thing that should be added is that Petaia scored his second try and made the majority of his impact on the game after Campbell came on. When he was moved to the wing. His first 40 mins were quite poor, his next 10 ok, his last 30 very good.
cinque
Roar Rookie
If Paisami takes a break due to HIA, JOC can start at 12, which many think is his best position anyway.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Not playing is great for your reputation in Aus rugby forums!
jcr
Roar Rookie
No , expectation is that support lines are run , hence no look passes. Larkham , or someone has added a lot more dimension to the attack.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Surely you should know by now TWAS that on The Roar not actually playing improves certain players standing immeasurably ... for instance Lachie Swinton was a world class backrower who was the missing link for the Wallabies. In 2022. He has been underwhelming in 23 now he's actually back playing. In all seriousness, as a Reds fan I agree with your assessment of Nasser - he had some good games in 2021, but IMO has not established himself as being of adequate SR standard yet and is miles away from the Wallabies. We will see how he goes if/when he makes it back. The current two Reds hookers cannot throw in straight and are part of front row that even the Force push around at will.