Brumbies 2019

[Up the Guts]

Some random observations and some clips of the Brumbies tries

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/brumbies-v-rebels-trial-observations/

In that breakout try from the Brumbies’ 22 to put them ahead 29-24, is that Rob Valetini putting a huge step on out on the wing? Geez that was Radike Samo like.

 

[Brumby Runner]

That was Rob Valetini UTG. If he stays fit this year, he will be a big chance of joining Pocock and Naisarani in the Wallabies back row, short of Cheika doing his usual favourites thing.

 

[Slim 293]

Wagner is a tight-head prop and has come through the Vikings. He played for Brumbies U20 and was in the NRC squad last year. Good prospect and ahead of Tom Ross IMO.

Osborne is in the Brumbies Academy and plays 6. I understand he's a local from Canberra Grammar.

Brown is from Waikato NPC side and is an openside. Don't know much but interesting that he is ahead of Angus Allen and Lolotonga. Brumbies are a bit light-on for back-up backrowers given Hyne's injury and BJ Edwards defection to the Waratahs

Jahrome Brown has been signed on a temporary deal to cover Hyne..........

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/sp...by-chance-in-trial-match-20190125-p50tl3.html

 

[Up the Guts]

That was Rob Valetini UTG. If he stays fit this year, he will be a big chance of joining Pocock and Naisarani in the Wallabies back row, short of Cheika doing his usual favourites thing.

I agree, hopefully he gets a few games under his belt against some high quality NZ opposition because he missed most of those games last year.

 

[Wallaby Way]

There is a replay of the game on the Brumbies Facebook Page. Tom Wright scored a nice try that wasn't included in the highlights that most would have seen,

 

[Brumby Runner]

Of the new players, both Wright and Lolesio were impressive, I thought. Osborne also showed some good glimpses late.

Sam Carter is also in good form, continuing from his finish to 2018. The Brumbies will again be well served for locks, with Darcy Swain coming on in leaps and bounds.

 

[Mudslider]

Solid trial match for the Brumbies... I suspect coach Wessels playing mind games with McKeller not playing Quade. Quade a confidence player Wessels is protecting him for round one in Canberra. It don’t think it will matter a hoot.

 

[Tomikin]

Anyone know if that live stream is hosted anywhere for review? I've seen the Chance Peni try - looked very promising how the ball was spun wide through the hands (BUT WITH EACH PLAYER FIXING/DRAWING A DEFENDER BEFORE SHIFTING) to unleash Valetini for a superb little run and offload to put Peni in the clear.

Very reminiscent of the last few weeks last season and auspicious for the continuation of that style of play.

Brumbies Facebook page has the reply ...

 

[Brumby Jack]

Last season for Sam Carter at the Brumbies as he heads to the Brumbies Irish development partner, Ulster, on a 2 year deal.

 

[Brumby Runner]

My tip is that Sam will be much more appreciated for his skills over there than he is here at home. His form at the end of 2018 and last week in the trial are pointers to a very good 2019 for Sam.

 

[Brumby Jack]

Lealiifano named as captain for 2019.

No co-captains this year.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Pocock VC.

 

[RugbyReg]

Lealiifano named as captain for 2019.

No co-captains this year.

so does that guarantee him a start or is it more a 'club captain' role?

 

[Brumby Jack]

^

Yep. At 10 I believe

 

[RugbyReg]

^

Yep. At 10 I believe

interesting....

 

[Brumby Runner]

No 12 then becomes a mystery. Irae Simone or JJH? Both had a bit of time there last year. Or Hawera switched to 12? Two playmakers might be the go, but his defence would be suspect. Maybe Tom Wright who had an excellent introduction last week in that spot.

Wright would probably be my preference early on to see if he can make it his own.

 

[RoffsChoice]

If we reward NRC form, it must be JJH at 12. However, Horwitz is now my go-to example of a guy who was the best player in the NRC one year, and completely out of his depth at Super level the next.

However, I have a tonne of faith in Simone and want to see him form a partnership with Kuridrani. JJH can be the next Bartholomeusz off the bench for us, covering pretty much the entire backline.

Wright would be exciting, but I want him to be given time to re-learn the position and the systems first.

 

[RugbyReg]

If we reward NRC form, it must be JJH at 12. However, Horwitz is now my go-to example of a guy who was the best player in the NRC one year, and completely out of his depth at Super level the next.

However, I have a tonne of faith in Simone and want to see him form a partnership with Kuridrani. JJH can be the next Bartholomeusz off the bench for us, covering pretty much the entire backline.

Wright would be exciting, but I want him to be given time to re-learn the position and the systems first.

Ironically I think Simone would be a better example of that NRC > Super Rugby form struggle. Horwitz was very good at NRC, but I don't recall him really being in contention for being the best in the NRC.

 

[RoffsChoice]

I thought highly of Simone's appearances for the Tahs, but he was caught behind Beale; no crime in being stuck behind one of the best 12s in world rugby.

 

[Tomikin]

I thought highly of Simone's appearances for the Tahs, but he was caught behind Beale; no crime in being stuck behind one of the best 12s in world rugby.

Simone had a season without Beale there and had a decent chance to make 12 his own, he didn't live up to expectations and I believe was replaced by Horwitz for most the season. Not saying I don't want him to do well, but he has struggled to perform at 12.

I'd be going Hawera at 10 and Lealifanio at 12, but if Lealifanio is 10 then its a shootout between JJH/Simone/Wright.

Good to have options