Brumbies vs Reds: Super Rugby live scores, blog

Coaches - Dan Mc gets a pass, Sunwolves bloke a HD, Penney,Thorn and Wessels all get a big fat fail.

samu before wright atm

Once the Brumbies sort out their set piece wobbles (a usual strength), they will go up a big notch though. That was a game that got away from the reds with a lack of ball control and lack of backline structure / decision making under pressure.

Yes reds could have won that. They definitely have the talent and probably a greater upside in terms of the heights could reach. More then any other Oz side this year I’d say. Question is do they have the smarts and coaching to do it?

Overall, brumbies did the little things well – better drilled. General thoughts for the reds. Pluses: 1) scored off setpiece, off the back of sustained pressure at the end of a half, and when they needed to at the back end of the game. They struggled to do each of these last season. If they keep this up they will convert a number of close games they lost last year into tight wins. 2) good set piece – impressive to steal brumbies lineout and scrum ball. 3) JOC provided that extra dynamic in the backline needed in attack. 4) Speight very good. Wilson also, but just needs to not botch the opportunities he creates. 5) How good was Lucas in defence – made a number of one on ones on brumbies biggest ball runners at full steam. 6) pick and gos – first 15min reds were poor. Forwards started to pick and go and pop off the ground, this was responsible for alot of go forward and momentum that led to pts. Minus: 1) poor exits and kicking in general, poorer then last season. Hesitation. 2) lack of a plan B at times – when they were getting pushed back they struggled to reset through a pick and go or kick etc. This would often snowball into a turnover. 3) Sloppy attacking ruck ball. This was a combo of poor cleaning out, brumbies tactics, poor placement and McDermott leaving it in there. 4) poor performances – Hegarty, Petaia, Campbell and replacement forwards.

Freddie ‘ I thought the Reds were asleep in the playmaking dept‘ for the last two seasons.

Knowing ‘what to do when’ is kinda the point, isn’t it though Bledau?

Yeah, I thought Powell did better, but Lonergan played well. Sure wasn’t Sorovi though...

In fairness to Carter Gordon. I watched some of the junior games of Last year and he looks good. But like Lucas he will need time. Knives are out on Lucas already. I hope Harrison has no access to the internet for a week! I don’t know if Lucas will make a good 10. Personally he reminds me of McKenzie in that way. Is McKenzie a good 10? Or just a talented player who can make things happen? A lot like Beale. I think we are still looking for a 10 in Australia who isn’t just flash, but has a smart brain for game management. He might not have 20m spiral passes off both hands. But if he makes to right decisions at the right times in the game and gets it in the hands of the game breakers when they sniff an opportunity, I think we will be doing ok in the 10 department.

Ryan Lonergan?

Yeah, it made me excited for what he and presumably TK could do later this year .

According to the Reds the only fly half they have on the books is Carter Gordon. And by gee by bingo by crikey if there's one thing the Reds can do well it's recognise a talented fly half

distance looked ok last night. Perhaps he's had the coaching?

Reckon that was just a close game that could go either way. Reds inexperience came out in the first 15 where they were caught on the hop a bit (tho did limit the damage well) and then played the 2nd half without the ball as brumbies got going they took a long time to slow the memntum. Thorn would be happy that they managed to do it eventually and with another 5 minutes on the clock who would predict the result.

My 1st xv from last nights game. 50-50 calls bracketed 15. Thomas Banks, 14. Henry speight (switch of wing for convenience- or go kata), 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. James O’Connor (Irae Simone), 11. Tom Wright, 10. Noah Lolesio, 9. Ryan Lonergan, 8. Harry Wilson. 7 Pete Samu (switch for convenience, 6. Rob Valetini, 5. Murray Douglas, 4. Darcy Swain, (not sure about the locks) 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 2. Folau Fainga’a, 1. Jean-Pierre Smith.

Some sharp insights there BAU. Spot on too I think.

Good summary thanks RobC. Both disappointing and heartening for us. We will give good sides a run for their money this year. Brums looked like deserved favourites in this conference. (Discounting some patches, it’s game 1). Dare we dream to have TWO Aus sides worthy of finals footy?

Yep I’m happy enough to assume it’s teething issues. Time will help

Coaching seems to be the big difference. Brumbies have such great shape and direct play. Reds have the talent and hardness but don’t quite know what to do when. Often choosing the wrong option while Brumbies look safer but still deadly once they find their rhythm. At least I can tell what Reds (grit, hardness, tough forwards), Brumbies (structure) and Waratahs (mobility) are trying to do with their style though, Rebels looks like club rugby in the trials. Leaving players exposed with no options or structure which feels like poor coaching. I’d say they are going to get nailed this season, even though Toomua will try his hardest.

I’m confident Lucas will soon be more assertive, just a matter of finding a rhythm with his 9, 12 and 15. I think it helps that Lucas knows Thorn already rates him. Thorn has been quoted as saying Lucas would have played every game last year if not for U20s duties.