Some more Corey Toole magic has helped the Brumbies overcome the Highlanders, as Stephen Larkham’s men sealed a 27-21 win to come away with the chocolates for the first time in Dunedin since 2013.
After a sloppy first half, which continued a concerning theme to start the year, Toole once again showed that there’s no substitute for speed as he burned his opposite out wide and then cut back on the inside to not only give the Brumbies the lead but inject some confidence into themselves. It was Toole’s fifth try in four matches to start the year.
While the Highlanders managed to regain the lead midway through the second half, as Highlanders skipper Billy Harmon broke through two tackles and took another two over the line with him to score, a Noah Lolesio penalty and Lachlan Lonergan try ensured they left New Zealand’s south with four vital competition points.
Interim captain Ryan Lonergan said the win was one he’d “remember for quite a while.”
“We still had a good look at ourselves after that Force game, we got the win but we weren’t happy with our physicality and our breakdown,” he said.
“Even the first 20 minutes today, we were still a bit lazy in that area and then we flicked the switch and we started to muscle up in that area and we started to play a bit of footy.”
A switch was indeed flicked, as the Brumbies’ physicality suddenly returned as the visitors opted to play tighter and go through the middle.
Reigning John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini led the second half surge.
At the same time, the Brumbies started either kicking lock or making it a contest.
The improvement in the kicking area turned the momentum, as the Brumbies started playing off some quick, unstructured ball that allowed them to get a stronger foothold in the contest.
After an energy-sapping first half where the first scrum packed down in the 37th minute, Larkham’s use of the bench paid off.
After starting Blake Schoupp and Billy Pollard, Wallabies veteran James Slipper made a strong impression alongside Test hooker Lachie Lonergan. Tight-head prop Rhys Van Nek was another who had a strong impact.
Corey Toole on his way to the tryline against the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, on March 16, 2024, in Dunedin. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
One of the key moments came in the 73rd minute, as Ben O’Keeffe gave the Brumbies a controversial scrum penalty after several collapses on their 10 metre line.
At the time, the Brumbies were clinging onto a narrow 20-18 lead.
The decision proved a telling one, as the Brumbies went deep inside the Highlanders’ half and although bombed one opportunity, they came away with seven points soon after as Lonergan scored from a rolling maul.
The Highlanders, who were missing Hugh Renton and curiously rested international fly-half Rhys Patchell, managed to knock over a late penalty to ensure they picked up a losing bonus point.
“What a game, it had a bit of everything,” Harmon said. “We had the pressure on, we were squeezing them, but a little bit of inaccuracy and we just couldn’t quite nail it.”
Despite the win, Larkham said the side had a lot of growth left in them.
“Well, I think it’s a step up from last week,” he said. There’s a lot of work to be done still. Our lineouts last week were pretty abysmal and then this week not much better.
“But, certainly, from a forwards carry perspective, I thought tonight they really dominated the carry area.”
The Brumbies will take on a much-improved Moana Pasifika side next Friday.
“There’s challenges around the turnaround for sure, but, for us, we’re certainly looking bigger picture and longer-term, making sure we’re getting growth every week as opposed to results,” Larkham added.
AgainAgain
Roar Rookie
It’s not an assumption, that is what people do as long as there have been keyboards. Not sure about surcharging emotion or psychological intervention.. I will leave that with you as I have no real idea or expertise in that area to make comment.
Kamikaae
Roar Rookie
That is only an assumption. Caps = Yelling. Really? Did it surcharge someone’s emotions by reading Caps. Need to see a psychiatrist if reading caps can arouse disturbing emotions.
Skippy89
Roar Rookie
Told you swain will play this week and frost will be dropped.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
He was on there… but he is not an incumbent as he has not yet been capped.
Pisda Chastna
Roar Rookie
TF Gleeson also gets a shot at gold too with no form on the board.
Pisda Chastna
Roar Rookie
Swinton wants to be the tough guy for the tahs. I sure opposition players laugh when the Sydney media call him the " HITMAN"
Pisda Chastna
Roar Rookie
Yet they still won,how`d your tahs go?
Pisda Chastna
Roar Rookie
Second that. I wouldn't pick the turncoat anyway.
Pisda Chastna
Roar Rookie
You forgot the Waratah Wunderkid who has done nothing in Super rugby yet who will be selected for national duty.
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
Is it a case of Australian sides improving or is it just the NZ are playing shite. I thought the Blues were awful against the tahs
Charlie Mackay
Roar Rookie
Some of the comments elsewhere about refereeing were disgusting this weekend. I was at the Reds v Rebels game in Melbourne (free ticket and nothing better to do). The vitriol spewed by supporters, particularly Nic Berry, was disgusting and uninformed. That I then took the time to explain the laws to them when they were whinging was quite ironic, too.
Charlie Mackay
Roar Rookie
"Only worry is the defence (mostly technique) of some of the Aussie players." - I'd argue, particularly in the case of the Brumbies, that it's strategy. Mowen isn't a coach's ar$eh0le, and has tried to implement a rush inside defence. If a team is good enough (see what the Chiefs did) then they can swing it wide and literally run around them.
Lr6050
Roar Rookie
I think the forwards have looked better since the Chiefs outing, but the backs are lacking creativity which is concerning considering Larkham’s background. Toole has been the go to and bright spark. I’d probably tweak it a bit and bring back Jack Debreczeni and then hopefully get Ben O’Donnell back onto the wing for Muirhead.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yep their first win in Aotearoa for a decade. Great achievement, in Otepoti!!
Dusty10
Roar Rookie
Well that's not true. Schoup, Van Nek, and Valetini were great, Swain looked great when he came on, Tua has looked very good in the midfield since replacing Sapsford, and the other outside backs have been solid. Probably the most disappointing player for me has been Ryan Lonergan; he's really lacked any creativity thus far and looked pretty ordinary at 9. Also Jahrome Brown, he's really looked slow. I thought he was a very similar player to Charlie Gamble at the Waratahs, but this year Gamble is streets ahead.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
For a No.8 Wilson's workrate is way under par. He should be a loosie, due to how he plays.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yeh Jacko, that's Sam Gilbert, you're referring to! yep he did have an average game by his standards, but to leave Patchell out was bad. Not sure what's going on there, as he did look ok after the previous game.
Otago Man
Roar Rookie
Resting Patchell backfired on the Highlanders. Millar is a good player but I think giving him homework while the rest of the team was in Australia in hindsight did him no favours.
Otago Man
Roar Rookie
Lonegan had the better kick but Fakatava offers a threat from the base running.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
I guess