1
Brumbies hoping to rebound from reality check against the Chiefs
By AAP
ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham hopes last weekend's 34-point humbling at the hands of the Chiefs serves as a reality check for his team in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Heading into Saturday's first home game for the season against the Western Force, Larkham lamented the Brumbies' inconsistency in copping 46 points against the Chiefs, the most they've conceded in a match since round three of 2017.
But having taken the loss so early in the campaign, Larkham called on his players to use it as inspiration as they look to better back-to-back semi-final finishes.
"It's consistency just across the board," Larkham said.
"Defensively we obviously let in quite a few tries, some of those not necessarily from the defensive system, but certainly defensively we saw some inconsistencies there from our players.
"We had some issues around set piece as well - all things that are good to get early in the season, and things we can reflect back on.
"They had a few tactics out there that were quite successful as well and that will open our eyes."
Larkham praised the application of his players on returning to training after the beatdown, as they prepare to tackle the Force and take on a familiar face in former long-term Brumby Nic White.
They'll go in without the injured Charlie Cale, resulting in the forward pack being shuffled to see Rob Valetini move to No.8 and Tom Hooper to the back row from lock.
Bench forward Cadeyrn Neville won't play against the Force, recovering from stitches he needed after a sickening blow from Jared Proffit with the Chiefs prop copping a three-game suspension as a result.
Set for their first game this season at GIO Stadium after consecutive trips to Melbourne, Larkham hoped his team could once again use an early-season defeat as motivation to reach new levels.
"(It was) very similar to a couple of games last year actually … very similar in terms of the physical battle," he said.
"It was very similar in terms of our preparation going into that game, and our mindset. It's good to have it early in the season, and we can reflect back on it.
"Preparation at home is a lot easier without the travel but equally we've spoken about trying to create a great atmosphere out there by playing some exciting rugby."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
David Campese names his Springbok world player of the year winner
3
Let's be real about these All Blacks
4
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
5
Latest Comments
I think the best 15 we have is DMac. Jordan at 14.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to comments