The match between the Brumbies and Waratahs this Saturday night in Canberra will see what can be best described as the ‘dance of the desperates’.
Both teams will be looking for a win after some less than impressive games in recent weeks. The Brumbies have had a week off to regather themselves after getting belted by the Crusaders, whilst the Waratahs were toothless against the Cheetahs in their most recent outing.
The Brumbies have done some soul-searching in their week off and are keen to get their 2011 campaign back on track after a poor opening that sees them with a record of 1 win and 3 losses. It feels like an eternity since that solitary win against the Chiefs back in Round 1 — and a lot has happened since then.
This game sees the return of Christian Lealiifano to the starting lineup and he is excited to be linking up with Giteau in the midfield once again. Although it has been some time since their last game together, Lealiifano believes there won’t be any problems with his slotting back in and he will be looking to take some of the pressure off Giteau and hopefully give his outside backs some space to work with.
Injuries are once again starting to cause problems for the Brumbies, with forwards Mitchell Chapman and Stephen Moore ruled out for lengthy periods. This will cause a reshuffle to the lineout operations, with Huia Edmonds taking over the hooking duties in Moore’s absence. History has shown that the Brumbies struggle without Chapman, who is their chief lineout caller, and Brumbies coach Tony Rea was tight-lipped when asked who would take on Chapman’s role.
In the backline, Pat McCabe has been ruled out with a hamstring injury that has necessitated a few changes. Adam Ashley-Cooper moves to fullback with Andrew Smith, who has been solid for the Runners program, taking his place at outside centre. His size and strength will be a welcome addition.
Ashley-Cooper’s move to fullback may not be the only one for him; there’s been speculation over his whereabouts for 2012, and the issue will be decided in the days after this important clash. With this game being an audition for his potential new employers, he has been playing his cards close to his chest and hasn’t been talking to the other players about his decision. His close friend Matt Giteau suggested the only way to find out is to see whether he throws an intercept pass on the night.
The Waratahs will be aiming to get back that spark that saw them pile on the points and leave opponents tryless in the opening rounds. They certainly have the speed in the backs, in particular with their back three, and could cause trouble if given space and time with the ball. The match-up between Australia’s fastest athlete Lachie Turner and Francis ‘jet boots’ Fainifo will be interesting, as long as the ball can make it that far along the respective backlines.
The booing from their own fans after the Cheetahs match will still be ringing in the Tahs’ ears, and only a strong performance this week will see that erased. Despite the Brumbies’ poor start to the comp, the Waratahs know that playing them in Canberra is a tough assignment and they can’t risk the same approach and game plan they showed against the Cheetahs. The Tahs will need to put last week behind them, and ignore distractions like the current rumours of internal bickering, if they’re going to get back in gear and move on.
Their lineout will certainly need to improvement on last week, but I feel they could have a slight advantage here if Damien Fitzpatrick can hit the mark with his throws. The Waratahs have good options with their jumpers, while the Brumbies are somewhat limited in that respect.
Phil Waugh’s return from injury shou;d help to settle a team that was guilty of losing their heads against the Cheetahs. His work rate around the field and disregard for his health and safety will be welcomed. Waugh may find himself in uncharted territory though, as he comes come up against someone other than George Smith in the Brumbies’ No. 7 jersey.
The Waratahs aren’t without their own injury concerns, with Tatafu Polota-Nau ruled out with a knee injury and prop Benn Robinson succumbing to a rib injury — losses that have robbed the fans of a Wallaby front row showdown. There have been whispers of winger Drew Mitchell not playing due to a hamstring injury, but it’s likely this decision won’t be settled until just before kick-off.
Key Matchups: Matt Giteau v. Berrick Barnes – The battle of the players who aren’t playing in their correct positions. Giteau lost his Wallaby inside centre place to Barnes on the end of year tour, and will be looking to keep Barnes on his toes if he is to regain that position. Hopefully they run the ball and not resort to a dour kicking battle, like these local derbies can sometimes be.
Brumby Jack v. Tah Man – Brumby Jack was left red-faced in his last outing when he suffered every mascot’s worst nightmare – having to be helped from the field after somehow falling in a hole. With the arrival of his arch-nemesis, Jack will need to get himself off his hay and back into action to help stave off the ‘show pony’ Tah Man and get his team over the line.
Tip: Both teams have been through a forgettable few weeks; however, the Brumbies have more players out injured, which could disrupt their key combinations. Phil Waugh’s return for the Waratahs will be an immense boost for a team that critically lacked the leadership last week. If the old cliché “you’re only as good as your last game” holds true then we could very well see a draw; but I think it will come down to a tight struggle, so: Brumbies by 3.
Teams:
Brumbies: 15. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Andrew Smith, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Francis Fainifo, 10. Matt Giteau, 9. Josh Valentine, 8. Ita Vaea, 7. Julian Salvi, 6. Colby Faingaa, 5. Mark Chisholm, 4. Ben Hand, 3. Dan Palmer, 2. Huia Edmonds, 1. Ben Alexander. Reserves: 16. Anthony Hegarty, 17. Salesi Ma’afu, 18. Peter Kimlin, 19. Michael Hooper, 20. Patrick Phibbs, 21. Matt Toomua, 22. Robbie Coleman.
Waratahs: 15. Kurtley Beale, 14. Lachie Turner, 13. Ryan Cross, 12. Tom Carter, 11. Drew Mitchell, 10. Berrick Barnes, 9. Luke Burgess, 8. Wycliff Palu, 7. Phil Waugh (c), 6. Ben Mowen, 5. Kane Douglas, 4. Dean Mumm, 3. Al Baxter ,2. Damien Fitzpatrick, 1. Benn Robinson. Reserves: 16. John Ulugia, 17. Jermey Tilse, 18. Sitaleki Timani, 19. Dave Dennis, 20. Pat McCutcheon, 21. Brendan McKibbin, 22. Daniel Halangahu, 23. Atieli Pakalani (one to be omitted).
Referee: Marius Jonker (SA)
Assistant referees: Stuart Dickinson (Aus), Joey Salmans (SA)
Television match official: Matt Goddard (Aus)
