The Brumbies put a solid effort behind the Crusaders on Saturday afternoon to secure a place in the top two.
If they had lost, they would have regretted their decision to take a corner and gained nothing other than three points from Noah Lolesio’s trusty boot and extending the margin to 13 points.
Ultimately, the mistake didn’t cost me anything, but it was another valuable lesson in banking points.
Does anyone really remember the recent World Cup final? The Springboks won their second Webb Ellis Cup in France without a try.
Joe Schmidt was pleased with the rugby he saw in the nation’s capital, but he and scrum coach Mike Cron probably didn’t sleep well that night.
For the first time this year, the Brumbies were in possession of the scrum.
James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa had their work cut out to solve the Brumbies’ scrum problems. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Weeks after heavy defeats in the region by the Hurricanes and Fiji Drua, Fletcher Newell dominated James Slipper and the Brumbies’ scrum regularly fell short against a strong Crusaders frontline.
The worrying thing about this is that without Angus Bell, James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa will account for two of the four offers Schmidt will ask for in July.
No wonder Schmidt told Taniela Tupou he won’t be going anywhere at the end of this year. The same holds true when the Rebel’s path ends, as expected. Is it time to call Scott Sio’s number?
More urgently, the Brumbies will struggle to get deep into contention if their scrum issues are not resolved soon.
on the light track
He may have been lucky to catch a last-gasp pass, but Tom Wright is making it difficult for Schmidt to find somewhere else to don the Wallabies No.15 jersey.
Instead of throwing stones after being left out of Eddie Jones’ World Cup squad last year, Wright has grown and developed into a better player.
On Saturday, the 26-year-old stood out during the Brumbies’ stunning win.
His defining moment came late in the game with the scores level at 24 when he decided to play the ball back inside the 22-metre line rather than find touch.
The courageous decision paid off as Wright beat Sevu Reece and Johnny McNicoll before linking up with his team-mate on the halfway line.
An attacking move swung the momentum back in the home side’s favor after the Crusaders had won the previous 10 points in the 75th minute to force a draw.
Three weeks ago he did the same against the Hurricanes who looked poised to overwhelm the Brumbies.
In both cases, the decision to throw the ball paid off.
It is yet to be seen whether he will be involved in the Test pitch, as one of the things that is quickly wrapped up on the international stage is space, but Wright’s decision-making and execution have clearly improved in 2024.
Tom Wright is putting together a compelling case to return to fullback for the Wallabies. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Wright appears to be battling with Andrew Kellaway for first crack at the No.15 jersey, with the duo ahead of Jock Campbell.
One factor that could make a bigger difference for Wright is his combination with Noah Lolesio, who is also Australia’s best marksman in 2024.
With Carter Gordon out of kickoff duties Friday night, it was another factor that put Lolesio and Wright ahead.
There’s no reason Kellaway can’t feature on the wing, either.
Ghosts of the past have returned to HAUNT TAHS.
It was no surprise to see the Waratahs go down to the Force on Saturday night, but it must have been painful to see several of their former players play their part in ending their finals hopes.
Ben Donaldson naturally drew praise for his 17-point bag, but Tom Horton, Will Harris and Jeremy Williams also had an impact in the loss.
Carlo Tizzano and Kurtley Beale don’t count either. Or NSW-born Izack Rodda.
Ben Donaldson starred in the Force’s big win over the Waratahs. (Photo credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images)
The loss put a spotlight on the Waratahs’ recruitment and retention policies, with their tight five demolished after a season of injuries.
This is an area where the Waratahs have failed since the 2015 World Cup.
If the Waratahs are to get back to greater heights, they will first need to build the foundations at tight five.
Otherwise they won’t be able to compete with the best teams in the competition.
Cause, one out?
Darcy Swain may be heading west at the end of the season, but the Force is in danger of losing Izack Rodda.
If that happens, it will be a huge blow to the Force.
It would be an even bigger deal if an experienced Wallaby leaves Australian rugby and Rodda starts to show his worth as he regains fitness.
Who saw him manhandling Charlie Gamble?
Izack Rodda blocks Charlie Gamble in the attack during the Force’s win over the Waratahs at HBF Park on May 18, 2024. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
The Roar understands Rodda is not yet sure Rugby Australia will qualify for the national competition.
Considering Rodda’s injury record over the past two years, RA’s doubts are understandable, but without a lock, he is unlikely to be consistent on the international stage.
With five of Australia’s best locks – Will Skelton, Richie, Rory Arnold, Harry Hockings and Trevor Hosea – already playing overseas, the Wallabies cannot afford to lose another lock.
Wallaroos learned another lesson
A year ago, the Wallaroos beat the United States 58-17 in Canada, but lost 32-25 in their home stadium last Friday.
The Wallaroos were under pressure, breaking set-pieces and getting smashed in front by roller skates and rolling hammers.
It was another lesson for Australian rugby that you can have all the shining backs you want. But unless you give them the fastball, it will count for nothing.
This shows the importance of developing a tight five.
The Wallaroos lost against the United States from a set piece. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
The women’s 15s game is still at a semi-professional level, but careful attention is needed to keep tight quintet matches humming.
Without it, they could be wrestled with a bye and a chance to be competitive when they host next year’s World Cup and the 2029 tournament.
It’s time to get creative with your contracts because the status quo isn’t working.
Christy Doran’s Australian Super Rugby Team of the Week:
Harry Huppert, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Isaac Roda, Josh Canham, Lachi Swinton, Jarome Brown, Rob Ballettini, Nick White, Noah Lolesio, Ollie Sapsford, Hunter Paisami, Filippo Dagunno, Lachi Anderson, tom wright
