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Brumbies coach blasts 'dangerous' early Super Rugby kick-off following Reds victory in sweltering conditions
By Online Editors
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has described starting the Super Rugby season in January as "dangerous" and called for change next season.
The Brumbies and Queensland Reds kicked off their season in 39-degree heat at Canberra Stadium on Friday night.
Bushfires were burned within 10km of the city as the players suffered through the oppressive conditions and McKellar stood up for his men.
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The Brumbies prevailed 27-24 before McKellar called on the governing body to prioritise player safety and move the season forward.
"We talk about player welfare, we've got big men having to run around and they're in good condition but I'm hoping round one next year is not anywhere near January 31," McKellar said.
"You're limited with your preparation time and it's dangerous, it really is."
The ACT has been sporadically blanketed in smoke, depending on winds, for more than two months and the Brumbies had to move their preseason training to Newcastle for 10 days.
"pretty close to home" with his squad members Ryan and Lachlan Lonergan's family property impacted.
Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa echoed his coach's comments and wants the season to kick off later next year.
"Yeah it was warm and we definitely felt it," Alaalatoa said.
"We knew it was going to be hot I was just proud of the boys how we dug deep and worked through that.
"Hopefully, it is a bit later next year."
- AAP
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Latest Comments
There is a major story unfolding around Gleeson's bar in Booterstown, South Dublin City last night. Beaudy Barrett, DMac and Cody Taylor were there. DMac was supposed to be on the Guinness 0.0 but lets just say it didn't turn out that way.
Hours later, Dmac out cold, head on the table with a long stallagtite of flem and spittle rising and falling with his breathing. There is a video apparently.
The barman barred a staggering Taylor from any more Guinness but Taylor kept pushing past him, pulled a seat up to the Guinness tap and personally pulled himself pints, claiming it was 'celebrity pint pulls mate'.
One of these celebrity pint pulls made a local paper but it's only a matter of time before the real context comes out. Dmac is out of the team for Friday due to breaking 'internal standards', Sititi starting at 10.
Go to commentsNow that made me laugh bull!
I tell you what though, the head knock from Kriel on Hugh jones in the wc that didn’t result in any card was a real mystery with the way things are now.
Also suspect the Boks will be pretty well motivated by glasgows antics in stellenbosch last week and loftus in June…
Should be a cracker hopefully!
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