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'It's chalk and cheese': Why the Brumbies are raring to go against the Blues
By AAP
The in-form ACT Brumbies have returned from their bye week raring to go and more mentally switched on than they've been all year, Stephen Larkham says.
But the coach insisted his third-placed side must not rest on their laurels as the business-end of the season draws closer.
Far from interrupting the momentum generated by a five-game winning streak, Larkham said the extra break came at the perfect time before the Brumbies embark on the most difficult fortnight of their campaign.
They fly to Auckland to take on the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday, before returning to the capital to host the Super Rugby Pacific table-topping Hurricanes.
Larkham, whose side were stung by a 46-12 thrashing at the hands of the Chiefs in round two before finding their winning ways, said the mental application during the week had stood out.
"We had a few niggly bodies and we pushed some guys out through seven games in a row, and including pre-season some guys went nine games in a row," he said.
"They needed the break, and came back nice and fresh.
"The boys are very focused from what I've seen this week.
"I compare it to the Chiefs week, where we had a similar scenario - a couple of days off over the weekend on the back of a Friday game, and we came in a bit sloppy.
"It's chalk and cheese (this time)."
Already boasting such depth that four Wallabies-capped talents are coming off the bench, further boosts are on the way for the Brumbies.
Larkham confirmed on Thursday "pretty much everyone" will be back in action next weekend, with captain Allan Alaalatoa, centre Len Ikitau and winger Andy Muirhead all pushing to prove their fitness.
But the coach was quick to tell his high-flying side their 6-1 record meant little, suggesting a favourable draw had helped carry the Brumbies to third on the table.
"We were relatively lucky in terms of our draw, we came up against some teams that were potentially not hitting their straps," he said.
"We've seen a lot of those teams that we played against improve since we played them."
Reflecting on his side's last-up 40-16 win over the NSW Waratahs, Larkham said there was plenty "we weren't happy with".
"We've outlined that to the players this week," he said.
"They're under no illusions - what we did in the first seven rounds really doesn't count for anything."
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Latest Comments
Shame on those who voted to keep Sweeney in his lucrative job. I have seen NO improvement in English rugby since his appointment. Just an increase in his bank balance.
Go to comments“The debate was in the context of the Lions squad. Multiple club and national coaches have chosen him (considerably) more often at 7, so there’s enough people fancy he’s good in the role.”
He’s started (considerably) more international matches at 8 than at 7. So while plenty of people fancy he’s a good club 7, international coaches haven’t seemed to agree!
“The win rates are vitally important for this Lions tour”
I agree. But you can’t just select players on the basis of their individual win rates.
“Farrell is a straight forward, no nonsense type of guy. He’ll probably pick conservatively and with guys in their proven positions. He hasn’t the time for bolters or shock calls. Not with the touring schedule they have.”
Yes, I was thinking more England selections. For the Lions tour then if Doris and Tom Curry both start then Earl becomes a pretty viable option at 7. But if Doris ever gets injured, or Farrell wants either Chessum or Tadgh Beirne at 6, then Earl will move to 8.
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