Noah Lolesio delivered a timely reminder of his quality on Friday night, leading the Brumbies to a “statement” 60-21 win over Moana Pasifika in Canberra.
With Les Kiss’ Queensland Reds earning much of the early season plaudits, the Brumbies, who entered the match in fifth spot after three wins from four matches, took the back seat over the opening month. No longer.
A nine-try to three win over Tana Umaga’s much-improved side once again put the Super Rugby competition on notice a week out from their highly anticipated clash against the Reds in Brisbane.
Noah Lolesio had a night to remember against Moana Pasifika at GIO Stadium on March 22, 2024, in Canberra. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
The victory came despite injuries to Wallabies Len Ikitau and Blake Schoupp, as well as the ever-reliable Andy Muirhead.
But playing behind a tight-five that rolled up their sleeves and Rob Valetini, the reigning John Eales Medalist whose physicality has returned, Lolesio delivered his best performance of the year.
Lolesio, 24, ran to the line and put teammates through holes. He even finished the evening with a well-taken try, too.
He wasn’t the only one who starred either, with Tom Wright’s ball-playing prowess on display.
Corey Toole, the man with the quickest feet in Super Rugby, also scored a try and played his part alongside Wright in setting up one of the tries of the year.
Charlie Cale, another with a great turn of pace, also scored a try in an eye-catching return in the No.8 jersey.
Former Brumby and Wallaby turned coach Stephen Hoiles described it as a “statement game”, and that it was.
Just as pleasing was the role Billy Pollard played, with the hooker finally managing to stay on the park. The regular game time is showing too.
Despite the encouraging performance, interim captain Darcy Swain wasn’t getting carried away with the win.
“Just happy with that effort,” the maligned lock said.
“We’ve got to back it up on the road. Last week, good win. It wouldn’t have met much if we just came out here and got it handed to us, so I’m happy with that.”
Beating Moana Pasifika is one thing, the Reds are another. But Stephen Larkham will have been pleased with his side’s attack, which finally got going after a clunky start to the year.
The strong showing from the forward pack helped, but Lolesio played his part too. As did Tamati Tua, who straightened the line of attack and managed to get the Brumbies front foot ball.
It allowed Wright to hold the ball in two hands and play what was in front of him.
No other time was that the case when Wright put the ball on the toe and found Toole out wide inside his 22 metre line. It finished with Tua scoring under the posts.
The one area of the Brumbies’ performance that will keep Larkham up at night is the side’s defence, which once again leaked three tries and looked particularly brittle inside their attacking zone.
Charlie Mackay
Roar Rookie
Hey, my jinxing worked! Unfortunately, it was against me... but it still worked! :laughing:
Dualcode
Roar Rookie
Moana really had no answer to how ruthless the Brumbies were
JimBob
Roar Rookie
Spot on fellas, very undervalued player. The Reds, Tahs, Force and Rebels would love to have him.
JimBob
Roar Rookie
Just leaving this here Charlie!
Popeye
Roar Rookie
I don't think the importance of 10s kicking their goals can be understated, especially at test level. The Wallabies have lost a lot of games because we haven't kicked our goals. I also think Noah does a lot of great out of the hand kicking to move the Brumbies up the field. I personally would be picking and sticking with him till the Lions tour.
southcoastboy
Roar Rookie
Lolesio went well but he isn’t the answer as a Wallaby 10, although I still cannot see any other 10s playing well enough to be ahead of all the prospects so maybe he’s worth another shot? (Yep, that’s me sitting on the fence, for sure, there). Cale is a great surprise packet and I still reckon Toole is a Wallaby bolter. This weekend’s games will be intriguing with some great matchups.
Dusty10
Roar Rookie
Creighton was fantastic. I like Tua at 12, but I'm wondering whether Creighton could get a run there as Len will be back soon and having Creighton spend as much time on the field as possible seems like a good thing...
Dusty10
Roar Rookie
Yes, absolutely Cec. Neville has been the same, way too high into contact. I think they're trying to make breaks and potentially make offloads, which is a good thing (we've been missing a Finegan or Jim Williams type of player since both great men retired), but you also have to pick your moments and drop your body height when a gain-line carry is required.
Charlie Mackay
Roar Rookie
*skull emoji*
MalBreakaway
Roar Rookie
Yeah nah … esp if they play like they did against the force. They’ll need Nic Berry to ref then they should at least be guaranteed a win, at the 80+ minute mark with the tmo involved.
MalBreakaway
Roar Rookie
Done mate!!!! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
1EyeBluesGuy
Roar Rookie
That aged well.
Phil
Roar Rookie
Totally agree. Should have been in World Cup squad. Thought he spoke well at half time too. Smart guy.
Cec
Roar Rookie
Nev doesn’t have X factor of some younger locks but as a 5 he does everything needed with grunt and a real presence. Notice how Brums forwards have improved with him starting. I’d pick him every day of the week.
Cec
Roar Rookie
100% RN. Early rounds are a good place to test things out. Depth has traditionally been a strength for the Brums. I’ll pick on two things that can improve. 1) their chop tackle early on was good but they started to get high as the game wore on which meant more grappling and fewer chances to pilfer. 2) some are running in too high into contact. I hope Cale works that out over the next few weeks.
Cec
Roar Rookie
Charlie. All I’m saying is protect those young lads until they have proven to be ready and let the older guys take the licks. What good came for Carter & Donno in that game against Fiji? Nil! They were humiliated on the world stage and they didn’t deserve that at this stage of their careers.
1EyeBluesGuy
Roar Rookie
Top 9 is a weird flex. Speaks to your mindset I guess. Which team should NZ drop? One of the teams that have won the whole shebang at least once?
Link
Roar Rookie
Without a doubt you make some valid points but they won convincingly which is good. Next week will be a litmus test and I predict the reds will win comfortably. I see the brumbies playing how Australia has for the last 10-15 years. Which is great against mediocre opposition but struggles against well structured teams that can do the basics well and build up phases and pressure. That is why the reds are playing well and people are excited about the team and hopefully how the WBs will play. But nonetheless very excited about next weeks game!
Rugbynutter
Roar Rookie
I think this game was a good tick on depth as the players who came in all did well - did not feel any brumbie player had a bad game.
BigSur
Roar Rookie
Interesting observation. Bold move if true for sure.