2019 - the year of the Brumby.
Looking at the Brumbies' squad for 2019, we should be expecting a far better outcome than was achieved in 2018. For my money, they are strong enough to take out the Aussie conference and if their attacking mindset that we saw at the end of the 2018 season continues then they could well be in the hunt for the Super Rugby title.
The side will be particularly strong in the forwards with an almost full strength Wallaby pack. The tight five is laced with experience and ability, and should be able to put away the other Aussie sides. In the back row is Pocock, say no more.
While the backs might have some other supporters doubting them, they should have ample good, quick ball from the forwards to allow them the freedom to play as McKellar wants them. The halves pairing of Powell and Hawera is not rated by other supporters but they have as much or more creativity as any of the halves combinations elsewhere, including in Genia and Quade until we see how Quade comes back to this level of play. The Reds' halves are very green and the Tahs are just so humdrum.
There is plenty of pace out wide with Henry, Pulu, Taliauli and Banks, and they'll be fed by the creativity of Lealiifano and the strength and domineering play from TK who was again at the peak of his powers at the end of 2018.
As always, injuries will play a big part in the success or otherwise of every team, but the Brumbies look to be well served for reserves covering all spots in 2019.
I expect to see a starting lineup early in the year of:
Sio, Fainga'a, Ala'alatoa, Arnold, Carter, Samu, Pocock, Valetini - (that's 7 out of 8 Wallabies for those counting) - Powell, Hawera, Pulu, Leali'ifano, Kuridrani, Speight, Banks - (that's another 5 Wallabies capped or in the squad).
On the bench would be:
Mann-Rea, Slipper, Makin, Swain/Enever, Enever/McCaffrey, Lucas, Simone, Muirhead/Taliauli. Three more Wallabies on the bench.
So long as the attacking gameplan holds up, this squad should be able to win most, if not all home games, and quite a few away, leading to a return to the Brumbies' glory days as the best of the Australian teams up there with any from NZ or SA.