1. Stephen Larkham’s Brumbies…
Are Awesome.
Jake White chucked a hissy and went home. Laurie Fischer went looking for greener pastures and I thought the Brumbies would fall off the levels of the last few years. I couldn’t be more wrong. Stephen Larkham looks like he’s that very rare person that’s a champion player and a top level coach. The Brumbies game plan has progressed. Keeping the best parts of ‘Jakeball’ and adding a layer of attacking flair on top.
Along the way they’ve uncovered new talent in the likes of Scott Sio and Rory Arnold who could both make our world cup squad if the maintain their current form. But my favourite ‘find’ of the last twelve months is the guy filling in for David Pocock. Rather than seat warm Jared Butler has grabbed his opportunity with open arms and made the position his own. With Pocock returns he can move to the back of the scrum and be equally effective. I don’t know if he can unseat the players ahead of him in line for the world cup squad but I would like to think he’s in with a chance.
As good as I think the Waratahs will finish the season my money is on Larkham’s Brumbies to win the Australian conference and fight out the final with the Chiefs. That’s the second time I’ve said that in public. I’m getting braver in my old age.
