Brumbies 2012

[Swarley]

That's just stupid. Alexander and Palmer are easily the best two props in the squad. Palmer's obvious strength is his scrummaging, whereas Alexander is noted for his ball running. Can someone tell me why, with this being so, so obvious, that they'd compromise their scrum by not only regularly benching Palmer, but by putting Benny A at tighthead where we all know he isn't suited? Doing this only weakens his performance overall as the extra pressure from anchoring the scrum will lessen his workrate.

The ideal front-row is Alexander-Moore-Palmer. Anyone can see that, but why can't the Brumbies?

 

[Empire]

Just saw the new training jersey at Griffith oval. Very garish. Not sure how they thought a hybrid of hi-vis tradie and the hurricanes jersey is a good look.

 

[Clawhammer]

Just saw the new training jersey at Griffith oval. Very garish. Not sure how they thought a hybrid of hi-vis tradie and the hurricanes jersey is a good look.

Perhaps the hi-vis look helps them blend in at the Kingo?

 

[Empire]

If that's the aim, then I have very dire hopes for our team! Lime Green may be a better option?

That said, I always cringe when being told that the Kingo could've become our home in the early 00's - it's a pretty good joint.

In any case, being at Griffith Oval was nice enough - nicest oval in Canberra, just lacking the amenities. It's a pity that the planning approval got knocked back.

 

[Slim 293]

2011
Palmer powers towards 2012


By Brumbies Media Unit

Brumbies tighthead technician Dan Palmer has come through a positive recovery process having suffered a plantar fascia tear late last season.

The debilitating foot injury had kept Palmer on the sideline for the tail end of the 2011 Super Rugby season, but hard work has provided the scrummaging specialist with a chance to lead other tight-five members through preseason.

Now in his fifth Super Rugby season and second in the ACT, Palmer’s fitness will be the key to the Brumbies getting a good shove on at scrum time in 2012.

“It’s all 100 per cent ready to go now, I’ve just got to monitor it and take care of it to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Palmers said.

“There was no option for surgery there, so it’s something I’ve had to be diligent with, the rehab and just looking after it generally, but we’re sure it will be fine.

“We’re all training hard and all trying to get into that starting XV … between the S and C and training there has been some really professional stuff put together which everyone has been positive about and buying into.”

Forwards Coach Laurie Fisher also suggested the program was working wonders at the club having returned to Canberra from Ireland three months ago.

“We’ve got a good varied program, enthusiasm levels are high, we’ve just got to wait to see where we end up by Christmas,” Fisher said.

“We’ve really tried to kick-start a fresh start this year, sitting down with [Brumbies Athletic Performance Coach] Aled [Walters] to get the S and C stuff right and we’ve tried to devise a whole new program that will get us to where we want to be.

“It’s got good variety, it’s challenging and it’s different.”

Dan Palmer
POS: Tighthead prop
H/W: 1.8m, 115kg
DOB: 14/9/1988, Shellharbour
Club: Southern Districts
Super Rugby Caps: 22

 

[Slim 293]

We've got the Power


By Brumbies Media Unit


At 2m tall, the Brumbies newest towering lock Leon Power has never been one to get lost in a crowd.

Power’s huge frame and tough style of play were standout features of the 25-year-old’s game while playing for the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand’s ITM Cup this year.

Now at the Brumbies, Power is looking to leave his mark on the competition he’s worked so hard to be apart of.

A Kiwi-Aussie cross who had the luxury of choosing between the two mighty rugby nations, Power was born in Sydney but moved to the small town of Okato, near Taranaki on New Zealand’s north island at the age of six.

To speak to, most people would find it hard to believe Power has Australian heritage. His thick Kiwi accent is sure to be tested with banter from the Brumbies boys over the next two years, but Power is just happy to be a part of such a professional rugby program.

“[The program] has been really good so far, it’s a step up from the ITM Cup as far as how specialised all the trainers are and all the technical aspects of training,” Power said.

“It’s really professional – you’re given every opportunity to be the best athlete you can be.

“There’s a big aura around the Brumbies back at home, as far as being the pinnacle of Aussie rugby… it’s a big honour to be here and I’ve got a lot to live up to really.”

With Mitch Chapman and Mark Chisholm both finishing their time in Canberra at the end of the 2011 Super Rugby season, Brumbies Coaching staff were left to find some tall timber to fill the void.

Forwards Coach Laurie Fisher said he was pleased with Power’s progress and looked forward to seeing him make the most of a Super Rugby contract.

“I’ve watched a bit of Leon with the Bay of Plenty this year and what impressed me the most was that he just played for the full 80,” Fisher said.

“He’s got a good engine and he just worked away, made his tackles, chased the play and worked hard at the ruck so if that’s your basis, that you’ve got a really strong work ethic, then that suits where we want to go.

“We need people who want to get down and dirty and that’s what we’ve got to ask Leon to do, to put your head in where most people don’t want to and just work away, I think he’ll be great value for us in that respect.”

Leon Power
POS: Lock
H/W: 2m, 116kg
DOB: 27/2/1986, Sydney
Senior Club: Bay of Plenty

 

[mudskipper]

Leon has the brief, now lets see it on the field in 2012... I for one are looking forward to seeing him play.

 

[barbarian]

Great, another fringe lock from the NPC. Those have always turned out to be huge successes... <cough> Cam Jowitt <cough>

 

[What2040]

I see that Crooke is in Aussie 7's squad - has he been resigned by Brums

 

[James Buchanan]

I see that Crooke is in Aussie 7's squad - has he been resigned by Brums

Not if he isn't in the announced 35.

 

[spectator]

Not if he isn't in the announced 35.

Perhaps he is in the National Academy? I've heard a lot about this young bloke, all good, so hopefully Sevens will give him a genuine opportunity to showcase his talent.

 

[Albert]

I see that Crooke is in Aussie 7's squad - has he been resigned by Brums

You could ask his dad over on Sportal...

 

[Slim 293]

Canberra Milk back as a sponsor I see...

When are they going to reveal their main sponsor?

 

[Lee Grant]

That's just stupid. Alexander and Palmer are easily the best two props in the squad. Palmer's obvious strength is his scrummaging, whereas Alexander is noted for his ball running. Can someone tell me why, with this being so, so obvious, that they'd compromise their scrum by not only regularly benching Palmer, but by putting Benny A at tighthead where we all know he isn't suited?

Let's see - Benny always played LHP when Palmer was healthy last year and also when Ma'afu got a couple of starts. Gandalf didn't come into town on the last bus - I'd trust him to make the right call and play Benny at LHP.

 

[DPK]

Let's see - Benny always played LHP when Palmer was healthy last year and also when Ma'afu got a couple of starts. Gandalf didn't come into town on the last bus - I'd trust him to make the right call and play Benny at LHP.

Well he didn't fly QANTAS...

 

[Slim 293]

Let's see - Benny always played LHP when Palmer was healthy last year and also when Ma'afu got a couple of starts. Gandalf didn't come into town on the last bus - I'd trust him to make the right call and play Benny at LHP.

Exactly.

Benny might want to play TH, but in the end it's up to White and Gandalf, and one would hope they'd do what's right in the best interest of the team.

However, it's still being reported that Alexander will be rotating with Palmer at TH, but I guess we'll wait and see what actually happens when the coaches are able to compare them.

I think it's in Benny's best interest to be open to playing both sides with the other 3 props being specialists... I still don't buy Owen as being able to play LH.

 

[TOCC]

Canberra Milk back as a sponsor I see...

When are they going to reveal their main sponsor?

If they dont already have it on there training grear then its likely they havent yet signed one..
Its happened to other teams from various codes in the past, starting the season without a naming rights sponsor.

 

[Slim 293]

That's just their training gear though...

Last year Macquarie, and not CA, were the primary sponsor on the training kit...

Brumby Jack has hinted that they already have their main sponsor lined up...

 

[mudskipper]

Canberra Milk was always a 2nd or 3rd tiered sponsor in some way...

 

[Slim 293]

White's four-year plan for more Wallaby reps
04 Nov, 2011 04:00 AM

Jake White has a four-year plan to re-establish the ACT Brumbies as the most represented team in the Wallabies squad and Nic White wants to be one of the main beneficiaries.

But before he launches his bid to be a future Wallabies scrumhalf, Nic White is locked in a battle with recruit Ian Prior to be the Brumbies' first-choice No9 next year.

Just three players from the Wallabies' World Cup squad - Ben Alexander, Pat McCabe and Stephen Moore - will suit up for the Brumbies in the 2012 Super Rugby season.

It's one of the lowest number of returning Test players in Brumbies history. But far from being daunted at fielding a side lacking international experience, Jake White believes he can transform his young players into Test stars.

''One of the parts of the job I'm enjoying is we've got a plan for the next four years and I've spoken to the players about it,'' White said.

''There's a World Cup coming up in four years' time, I'd like the Wallabies to be the winners of that World Cup and I'd like a lot of these boys to be part of that.

''That's what this program is about ... bringing these boys up and then in four years' time hope they get the excitement and honour of winning the World Cup, and get it because they've worked hard in the Brumbies program.''

Nic White and Prior loom as two players who can catapult themselves into the Australian squad if they can establish themselves as capable Super Rugby scrumhalves.

While Will Genia has a firm grip on the Wallabies' scrumhalf spot, the departure of Luke Burgess to France and Nick Phipps's failure to cement his spot in the squad has left the door ajar to be Genia's back-up.

But Australian under-20s teammates White and Prior are yet to stake their claim to be a full-time Super Rugby No9.

White saw limited game time for the Brumbies last season while Prior was playing behind Genia at the Queensland Reds and both have aspirations to make the Wallabies.

''[Hearing Jake say that] instills a lot of confidence, Jake's got a four-year plan and we're in that,'' White said.

''We used to be a team where blokes would come to Canberra and become Wallabies and that's what he [Jake White] has got planned for us and it's pretty exciting.''

Prior said the opportunity to push for a starting spot was the reason he decided to leave the reigning champion to join the Brumbies.

''I saw it as a great chance to work with the best in the business with people who have been there and done that with great track records,'' Prior said. ''I think we've got youth on our side, there's enthusiasm and a willingness to take on all the challenges ahead of us.''