It's a real problem with some Aussie coaches - the inability to admit when it aint working, and what they can do to move ahead and improve it. At least link usually seems unhappy, even when they win well, showing he expects highly. Friend has the Hickeys in spades, and probably is not helped by a dose of the Brumby siege mentality - put up the shutters and defend, defend, defend when anyone dares criticise them (OK, a bit of hyperbole there, but we see it from ex players such as Jeremy Paul, and to a lesser extent Kafer at times).
The Brumbies, much as the Tahs do, have a good set of forwards, with a few under-performing members, but a real problem in the backs with a 10 than cannot get anything happening. Giteau has lost any sense of how to play 10, and just reverts to kicking it when he has no idea. If he kicked masterfully it might work. But he doesn't. Like Barnes, it is always safety first - bung it down the middle and takes your chances on the up and under that comes back, or the chance to snuff a counter-attack and get field position. I think John Connolly liked this approach too.
We have railed against these 2 players at length, but a lot of this style and game plan MUST come from the coaches.
It's not about "spinning it wide " (just to pre-empt Naza foaming at the mouth), but having some variety, and taking
some chances. Not headless chook Chiefs stuff, but have a bit of a go. The Brumbies and Tahs are too afraid to have a go anymore.
