The Brumbies continued to extend their winning streak over the Western Force at GIO Stadium in round six of Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU.
Some brilliant individual and team efforts, but what else did we learn?
1. Tevita’s homecoming
Returning to the nation’s capital for the first time since last year’s final, Kuridrani was in his element. While an early yellow card almost derailed his homecoming, he didn’t let it ruin his return. Almost crossing the line twice in the second half, he was a high impact player who is almost certainly back in Wallabies contention.
2. Speed and Power
It was the basis of the Brumbies game plan, and it worked. Hard and fast Rugby was the order of business, and while the Force did an admirable job in defence, the Brumbies were too much.
3. A Defending Force
While the scoreline didn’t reflect it, the Force put in the hard yards. The Brumbies didn’t break their defensive line until 21-minutes into the game, and even then, it was due to a yellow card. With 105 tackles, the Force continue to improve week on week and are no longer the competition underdogs.
4. No props, no problem
Most players have a graduated return from injury, but not Super Rugby veteran James Slipper.
With Allan Alaalatoa still suspended and Tom Ross injured, McKellar called on Slipper, and he delivered. Shifting from his usual loosehead role to tighthead, the veteran ensured the Brumbies scrum lived up to its name.
5. Lonergan Genes
Ryan Lonergan was the iceman against the Rebels, but his younger brother, Lachlan, stared tonight, scoring off the bench. Both products of the Brumbies pathway, the Lonergan brothers, have a bright future ahead of them.
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