Quarter Final - Brumbies vs Highlanders, 22 July 2016 @ 6:00pm

[glass half full]

Can't really understand the continued outcry and negativity from many who predicted a flogging before the game and had already written off the Brumbies.

At the end of the day the reigning champs took the points despite my frustration that the scrum dominance of the Brumbies wasn't better rewarded. Shut happens I guess?

I now hope the Highlanders go on to successfully defend the title.

Well done Brumbies, an honourable loss to a clear match favorite.

 

[brokendown]

The 6pm start on a Friday night is not great by any stretch, add the shocking weather and its the perfect storm for not attracting the crowd.

The icy wind tunnel that swirls over Bruce with torrential rain rushing from work isn't an attractive proposition..

home ground a advantage!

 

[Moono75]

Public servants + Friday = long lunch and early finish

.....so you did receive the bulletin

 

[mst]

The 6pm start on a Friday night is not great by any stretch, add the shocking weather and its the perfect storm for not attracting the crowd.

The icy wind tunnel that swirls over Bruce with torrential rain rushing from work isn't an attractive proposition..

Or family friendly - that applies to both the time and weather.

The irony of the whole thing is the frost and ground marking - well there certainly wont be a frost, and due to the rain they did not paint any sponsors on the ground nor will they be as its too wet!

So overall the time change was unnecessary and has shown it to be a total clusterf#*%!

 

[Moono75]

The Brumbies put up a fight and in the end that's all you can ask. If they had a few injured players back and in the mix who knows what may have happened. A lot closer than I thought it would be which is a credit to the ACT boys. Highlanders through, now for the Wellingtonians to show their finals credentials Saturday. Welcome to the weekend

 

[Slim 293]

I've yet to watch the second half (not sure if I could be bothered), but it sounds like it was a predictable continuation from the Brumbies............

A few random thoughts from the first half -


- Brumbies defence did particularly well - Pocock makes a difference, and seems to lift Fardy's game too

- Kuridrani running onto the ball for the second week in a row was nice to see

- Brumbies attack seriously lacking - Toua again guilty of the same old offences, but I thought Coleman had a decent crack

- I've seen complaints about the second half officiating, but I thought Gardner was fine in the first half and it was good to see him crack down on the 'landers continually going off their feet in the rucks........... although Canberra Stadium clearly needs a bigger screen for replays because I'm not sure how they let the shoulder charge go

 

[ACR]

/snip
- I've seen complaints about the second half officiating, but I thought Gardner was fine in the first half and it was good to see him crack down on the 'landers continually going off their feet in the rucks..... although Canberra Stadium clearly needs a bigger screen for replays because I'm not sure how they let the shoulder charge go

He was a bit erratic with his decisions. Have no idea how he didn't penalize that shoulder charge.

As for off feet at rucks, all I can say is both sides (end every side) do it. Highlanders use the pod system a lot when they keep it tight, usually ends up with the supporting player sealing off the ball if not upright at the end.

Risky asking this here but does anyone else notice Pocock's dodgy pilfer technique? The man barely ever supports his own weight (of which there is a lot granted).

 

[cyclopath]

I've yet to watch the second half (not sure if I could be bothered), but it sounds like it was a predictable continuation from the Brumbies....

A few random thoughts from the first half -


- Brumbies defence did particularly well - Pocock makes a difference, and seems to lift Fardy's game too

- Kuridrani running onto the ball for the second week in a row was nice to see

- Brumbies attack seriously lacking - Toua again guilty of the same old offences, but I thought Coleman had a decent crack

- I've seen complaints about the second half officiating, but I thought Gardner was fine in the first half and it was good to see him crack down on the 'landers continually going off their feet in the rucks..... although Canberra Stadium clearly needs a bigger screen for replays because I'm not sure how they let the shoulder charge go

Kuridrani put into a great hole. Almost scores.
"Gee, that worked too well, best we don't over-use that play, so maybe Matty and Christian stand waaaaaaay back and kick fairly aimlessly downfield........."
FFS - HOW DO THE STEPHEN LARKHAM COACHED TEAMS NOT GET THE PRINCIPLE OF ATTACKING THE LINE?"
If the Brumbies had an ounce of nous, that game was theirs. Soooo frustrating.

 

[Slim 293]

I think the thing that bugged me the most, and this is pretty typical from us, was where were was the support after the break?

Kuridrani just needed one decent support runner and it was a try.

 

[Slim 293]

As for off feet at rucks, all I can say is both sides (end every side) do it. Highlanders use the pod system a lot when they keep it tight, usually ends up with the supporting player sealing off the ball if not upright at the end.

I disagree............

Not only do I think that both teams weren't doing it, but I don't think that all teams really do it, particularly to that extent.............

There's a difference between having a genuine attempt on your feet, and then there's diving in like Italian soccer players...............

Sometimes the referees might let an attacking team get away with it (and it bugs the shit out of me), but I think they're generally pretty good at identifying it.

 

[galumay]

Well done to the Bush Donkeys, I was very surprised they were able to stay in the game all the way. I guess the conditions played a part, but even that doesnt often erase the dominance of kiwi teams.

Pocock made a difference but in the end the complete lack of any attacking structure or flair outside the set piece is what cost them. I am happy that a side playing that style of rugby is not successful and hope they do something to change that up for the future.

Must have been a very nervous finish for the "Landers, might be just the spur they need.

 

[kiap]

Has Larkham re-signed yet?

Hyphen is in there—for the Brumbies—although probably time to take it out for the Wallabies.

Part-time coaches to concentrate on their day jobs, which need a bit of work nationwide tbh.

 

[Froggy]

Regarding the ref, the only decision I thought was out of line was not at least penalising the shoulder charge, I thought it was a pretty clear intention to hit with the shoulder , and not just a 'collision' as Gardiner suggested.

The Brumbies no try, while most likely a try, just could not be awarded. The ref slipped over on the wet field, no-ones fault, that just happens, and the TMO genuinely could not see a grounding. You just couldn't award it.

As to a penalty try from the scrums at the end, yes there could (probably would) have been one if the Brumbies 8 had controlled the ball. On the two occasions a penalty try was on, the ball shot out of the scrum. The scrum is then over!

 

[Scrubber2050]

Poey was good. Scrum was excellant - lineout shit
Fardy has become a real whinger on the pitch - flapping his arms like a seagull.
Brums went close, real close.

Am sure they will have a great Silly Sunday

 

[kiap]

As to a penalty try from the scrums at the end, yes there could (probably would) have been one if the Brumbies 8 had controlled the ball. On the two occasions a penalty try was on, the ball shot out of the scrum. The scrum is then over!

Reminiscent of the U20s.

If only Australia's first-pick number eight had been available for the Brumbies instead of some poor fella having to fill in to make up the numbers.

 

[Froggy]

On the Brumbies, what a dissapointment they've been as the year goes on. Halfway through the season they were really looking the goods, were by far the best team in the Aus conference, and looked geniune title contenders. Then they just lost it! Whether they got worse, or the opposition got better (possibly a bit of both) but apart from the scrum and the rolling maul they just ran out of ideas.

Unfortunately, while solid, there is no creativity at 10 & 12, and TK needs someone to run off, we saw glimpses of how good he can be. Aus rugby is lacking real game breaking backs at the moment, and that was evident last night. How they would have loved a Kurtley Beale at 12!

 

[Froggy]

As to the Landers, I can't see them going back-to-back. They were good enough last night, but it's hard to see them winning a title with that scrum, and such a weak centre pairing (yes I include Fekitoa in that).

On the other hand, how good are the two Smiths. Ben Smith just gets better every time I see him, what a complete footballer.

 

[liquor box]

FFS - HOW DO THE STEPHEN LARKHAM COACHED TEAMS NOT GET THE PRINCIPLE OF ATTACKING THE LINE?"

Maybe he thinks he is the only person capable of attacking a line and coaches to the standard he believes his players are at?

 

[Brumby Jack]

Has Larkham re-signed yet?

Just said on the radio a decision in 2-3 weeks

 

[mst]

Just said on the radio a decision in 2-3 weeks

Well that's interesting in that he is yet to decide!