The in-form ACT Brumbies have returned from their bye week raring to go and more mentally switched on than they’ve been all year, Stephen Larkham says.
But the coach insisted his third-placed side must not rest on their laurels as the business-end of the season draws closer.
Far from interrupting the momentum generated by a five-game winning streak, Larkham said the extra break came at the perfect time before the Brumbies embark on the most difficult fortnight of their campaign.
They fly to Auckland to take on the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday where they’ll try snap an 11-year drought at Eden Park, before returning to the capital to host the Super Rugby Pacific table-topping Hurricanes.
Should the Brumbies come through with flying colours against the Blues, it could set up their bid for a top-two finish and a potential home semi-final.
The importance of that can’t be understated either given the Brumbies have slipped up on tricky away trips in three semi-finals since 2019, including consecutive defeats across the ditch over the past two years.
Stephen Larkham says the Brumbies’ strong start to the season counts for little ahead of their crunch trans-Tasman fixture. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
Larkham, whose side were stung by a 46-12 thrashing at the hands of the Chiefs in round two before finding their winning ways, said the mental application during the week had stood out.
“We had a few niggly bodies and we pushed some guys out through seven games in a row, and including pre-season some guys went nine games in a row,” he said.
“They needed the break, and came back nice and fresh.
“The boys are very focused from what I’ve seen this week.
“I compare it to the Chiefs week, where we had a similar scenario – a couple of days off over the weekend on the back of a Friday game, and we came in a bit sloppy.
“It’s chalk and cheese (this time).”
Already boasting such depth that four Wallabies-capped talents are coming off the bench, further boosts are on the way for the Brumbies.
Larkham confirmed on Thursday “pretty much everyone” will be back in action next weekend, with captain Allan Alaalatoa, centre Len Ikitau and winger Andy Muirhead all pushing to prove their fitness.
Noah Lolesio has a big role to play for the Brumbies across the ditch at Eden Park. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
But the coach was quick to tell his high-flying side their 6-1 record meant little, suggesting a favourable draw had helped carry the Brumbies to third on the table.
“We were relatively lucky in terms of our draw, we came up against some teams that were potentially not hitting their straps,” he said.
“We’ve seen a lot of those teams that we played against improve since we played them.”
Reflecting on his side’s last-up 40-16 win over the NSW Waratahs, Larkham said there was plenty “we weren’t happy with”.
“We’ve outlined that to the players this week,” he said.
“They’re under no illusions – what we did in the first seven rounds really doesn’t count for anything.”
Charlie Mackay
Roar Rookie
I love this comment :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Some comments both bring, and take, the biscuit. It’s a rare feat.
30mm tags
Roar Rookie
Referee management seems to be undervalued. The difference between a scrum reset and a penalty is one example of many. I’d love to know what Michael Hooper thought of his belligerent self all those years ago. There might be a “ mea culpa” or three, but I wonder? Graciousness can come naturally, be learnt or not at all. An analysis of marginal decisions correlated against a team captain’s angry ant ranking would be interesting . John Eales would get a perfect score.
Guess
Roar Rookie
If it didn’t count they’d have been at the bottom of the table. It surely does. Strange comment by Larkham
AgainAgain
Roar Rookie
Clarke is going well this season. He is proving what a handful he can be. I like him closer to the rucks as the support is closer when he inevitably breaks through the line and he can add some real punch.
Wig1
Roar Rookie
Yes jazz, I've noticed Caleb Clark standing off the rucks and scrums ready to take it up like a loosie, I bagged him out for hiding on the wing in the past . I predict blues will be too strong :rugby:
Jazz
Roar Rookie
Yes this one is hard to pick Wig, the return of some quality players helps the brumbies, however Blues get Tele'a back and no doubt Tom Wright and Tooley better get their defence in shape against him, Tele'a is slippery and hard to tackle.
Jazz
Roar Rookie
At least Larkham is not understating of the importance of this game and to those come. Definitely the round of the week. If Brumbies can maintain possession, fierce defence, cool Swains heel they might just do it...
Biscuit man
Roar Rookie
Blues will win by a mile. Like all Aus team Brumbies not in the same class as best NZ teams. Loliseo is the weak link in big games.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
“ Last year can’t be for nothing.” NEVER again, Q.
Dualcode
Roar Rookie
He knows what he's up against in Auckland having not won there in years.
Wig1
Roar Rookie
Blues perhaps too many big guns across the park but there's no doubting the brumbies are a quality side
Old school rugby
Roar Rookie
Good luck tonight Brumbies. Creighton like Lolesio and Ikitau were not wanted by the Reds because they had other players of the same age playing better at that point. Brumbies’ recruitment is one that has always amazed me. The program develops core skills well, with the biggest virtue being patience. What I also like is the player loyalty. Brumbies are a step above in my view, and this plays out on the field.
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
Great test this weekend but I think the Brumbies will win.
Cec
Roar Rookie
Good news with AAA, Len and Andy. It’s interesting how some teams fold when losing a crop of starters (include Loz) but other teams build depth from there. I think Brums have been pretty good at the later. So with AAA coming back at some stage who misses out, Kautai or van Nek? Does Andy come in for Ollie or replace Meredith on the bench? Len would be a straight swap for Creighton but Hudson has been great (can’t believe Reds didn’t want him). There are guys that can’t even get in like Rory Scott who would get game time elsewhere but have Reimer and Jahrone ahead of him now. Bernie is really building competition for spots and using the 23 well. This has been his best campaign at this stage of the season.
MalBreakaway
Roar Rookie
They should treat this game and every game here in against nz teams as a final. Win or lose and they’ll learn valuable experience. Winning maybe be more problematic than losing if they succumb to aussie hype pressures. Referee management in equal importance as every other aspect of winning a final. Hoping Pollard and McInerney survive hooking and perform for remainder of season.
Qualify
Roar Rookie
If they cop a shellacking in this one, they haven't learned a thing. It's all good dispatching lesser teams, but ffs I hope they've got true grit. Even a close fought loss will be enough for mine. Just something to show this year is different for Australian teams. Last year can't be for nothing.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
Blues at home, that will be a big win for the Brumbies if they pull if off.
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
They would be in with a good chance this weekend v the blues. Win that and the momentum could help them with the hurricanes at home. They need a top 2 finish for the finals. That slip up last year v the force where they rotated thr team really cost them
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I think his comments really highlight where the super rugby season format doesn’t work. 14 games really isn’t many and not enough to encourage deeper squads and rotation. But then players will play up to 9 games in a row with trials which is too many.