Round 11: Brumbies v Fiji Drua Sat 4th 7.35PM @ GIO STADIUM
- Thread starter Rudderless
- Start date
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
An overall poor effort, not up to scratch. But still a win while playing poorly, like earlier in the season. But sorely needed the bonus point in this game to stay in touch with the top two on the ladder.
Think Bernie made the wrong choice in replacing Hooper instead of Frost. Hooper had the much stronger game in the open, and up to that point neither had taken the Drua ball at the lineout. Excellent work from Darcy Swain late to steal two lineouts.
I also think Bernie has shown too much loyalty to Noah. He is pretty much the modern day Bernard Foley. Will lose you a couple of games but never win you any. However, Noah's goal kicking was on song again so I don't see any experimentation occurring in the 10 spot for the rest of the year.
Best for the Brumbies were Hooper, Brown, Valetini, Ikitau and Wright with both Reimer and Swain very strong off the bench.
Think we need a new No 14 quick smart. Maybe BOD next week?
Think Bernie made the wrong choice in replacing Hooper instead of Frost. Hooper had the much stronger game in the open, and up to that point neither had taken the Drua ball at the lineout. Excellent work from Darcy Swain late to steal two lineouts.
I also think Bernie has shown too much loyalty to Noah. He is pretty much the modern day Bernard Foley. Will lose you a couple of games but never win you any. However, Noah's goal kicking was on song again so I don't see any experimentation occurring in the 10 spot for the rest of the year.
Best for the Brumbies were Hooper, Brown, Valetini, Ikitau and Wright with both Reimer and Swain very strong off the bench.
Think we need a new No 14 quick smart. Maybe BOD next week?
griffins
Ted Thorn (20)
What was your issue with Muirhead out of interest? Thought he was excellent tonight with his kick chasing, decision making in attack and a couple of good open field tackles to shut down counter-attack opportunities. He's not big or fast enough for the next level but he's been great for the Brumbies.
Agree with your assesment of our best though, good to see Hooper fronting up physically again (though our scrum woes with him behind the tighthead suggest 6 is probably his best spot).
Tomikin
David Codey (61)
Muirhead was good tonight, but so fair this season he hasnt set the world on fire been a bit off. If he continues to improve after injury he'll fight with Ollie once Tooles back. Think BOD might offer a bit more pace without Toole there.
Happy
Alex Ross (28)
Great debut I thought. The scrum improved and he hit every line out throw.
griffins
Ted Thorn (20)
Fijian scrum was sinificantly de-powered at the same time with their reserves coming on, but his lineout throwing was good.
Any word on Slipper's injury?
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
I am not a fan of Berry as the ref, but overall he had a better than usual game I thought. He did bottle it on a couple of occasions to the detriment of the Brumbies, but that simply seems par for the course.
In one late scrum, Bowron popped up before the ball emerged to the Fiji side and was rightly penalised. A scrum not long before that the Fiji hooker popped up under pressure but no penalty for the Brumbies. Worse, Berry was very zealous in awarding penalties and indicating advantage against the Brumbies being offside when defending on the goal line. However, when the Drua were under sustained pressure on their goal line late in the game, there were a number of their players well offside at many consecutive rucks (up to a metre in front of the last point of the ruck) but never a warning, advantage or penalty awarded. Didn't alter the result but probably denied the Brumbies a bonus point 5th try. These are the inconsistencies that detract from his refereeing performances.
In one late scrum, Bowron popped up before the ball emerged to the Fiji side and was rightly penalised. A scrum not long before that the Fiji hooker popped up under pressure but no penalty for the Brumbies. Worse, Berry was very zealous in awarding penalties and indicating advantage against the Brumbies being offside when defending on the goal line. However, when the Drua were under sustained pressure on their goal line late in the game, there were a number of their players well offside at many consecutive rucks (up to a metre in front of the last point of the ruck) but never a warning, advantage or penalty awarded. Didn't alter the result but probably denied the Brumbies a bonus point 5th try. These are the inconsistencies that detract from his refereeing performances.
Marce
John Hipwell (52)
Maybe he isn't the fastest player on the field but he's the kind of player you miss when he goes overseas
Strewthcobber
Simon Poidevin (60)
He's also exactly the type of player that we can't afford to keep. No Wallaby top-up to swing a deal
Marce
John Hipwell (52)
Yeah and that's the main problem of Aussie Super Rugby franchises