Final score 10-29 to the Brumbies. What did it for the Sharks was that they let the Brumbies score 4 tries in the first half, and they were playing catch up in the next half. Sharks were harder on the ball in the second half and could probably see that as a positive that they could build on for next week.
In regards to the Brumbies, although they scored 4 tries to 1, it was their defence that should be praised. They virtually kept the Sharks out at every raid the Brumbies made on the try line, all but once.
And their depth is extraordinary! White off, Prior comes on and controls the game nicely. Similarly with guys like Coleman who came on for Mogg, who looked to be injured.
That and the work the forwards did in the first half. They got over the gain line on an absolutely ridiculous amount of their carries. I need to watch the match again though, I think it may as much have been the Brumbies running hard and at smart angles as it was the Sharks just being soft in the contact area. That said I'll probably watch that first half a dozen times in the next year, a wonderful 40 minutes of attacking rugby by the Brumbies.
The depth that was shown today by the Brumbies was definitely impressive. If I hadn't already read that White was out and was just a casual fan before tuning I honestly may not have noticed the change in halfbacks. That smoothness in transition to "bench" players is the definition of "having depth".
The depth that was shown today by the Brumbies
Certainly done better than Palu this year. That said Palu was great the last couple of games for the Wallabies last year
Palu's constant injuries really kill me in terms of him being selected for the Wallabies. He is, or was, the only really viable international standard #8 we had (and even then if you look at him against someone like Kieran Reid...oceans between them) but I feel like he gets injured every other game now, and is taken off the field early nearly every single game even if it isn't a serious injury. Just a huge liability in my eyes and it's a shame because he is a truly quality player. If Auelua can maintain form and stay healthy I see him as a direct upgrade from Palu, assuming he adjusts to the international standard of play (even though I am biased towards a quicker #8). Fingers crossed, we really need the international quality #6 and #8 to fill out our back-row.