Brumbies 2017
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Brumby Runner
David Wilson (68)
Brumbies are not short on either hookers or props. Albert was unlikely to get much, if any, game time with the main squad. Looks to be a good move for him.
Brumby Runner
David Wilson (68)
Don't think Ruan Smith has yet signed for next year but is in discussions with Bernie, as is Benny A I believe. Assuming, or hoping, that both sign, I think the props for next year will be :
LHP : Sio, Ala'alatoa, Sione
THP : Smith, Alexander, Makin, Lomax.
On hookers, certainly Mann-Rea is getting on but still playing well at this level. I believe McIntyre (?) would also be in the mix for next year if he doesn't go off somewhere else.
mst
Peter Johnson (47)
Yes - reported in the media both in talks. Ruan's is a bit more complex as he is already signed to play in Japan for the next year or two and hot property the way he is playing.
MonkeyBoy
Bill Watson (15)
... McInerney?
The Brumbies have finally confirmed that Joe Tomane is off to Montpellier.
It's been on the cards for a while
It's been on the cards for a while
neilc
Bob Loudon (25)
BJ, I had thought it was announced months ago, and then he was having second thoughts - now it's being announced as something new? He's been in great form this season, shame for the Brumbies as I don't recall him being so good as this year. Was there some change of heart?
Viking
Mark Ella (57)
It's not announced as something new, it's announced as being confirmed. Previously it was just speculation.
I think it was revealed months ago but never officially announced by the Brumbies at least.
There were reports he was trying to get out of the deal so not sure if this announcement is a result of that being unsuccessful or this is how it was planned.
There were reports he was trying to get out of the deal so not sure if this announcement is a result of that being unsuccessful or this is how it was planned.
T
TOCC
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A.Fainga'a to the Brumbies in 2017 after his Japan stint?
Yes, at this stage. Apparently the Tahs are in the mix too. The Brumbies still have to play the Force at home in the last round so probably doesn't want to announce anything until after then.
Correct.
Viking
Mark Ella (57)
Godwin is a great signing, probably the best replacement for To'omua we could have hoped for.
A.Fainga will add depth but I very much doubt he'll get a lot of game time.
Is A.Smith signed for next year? He's a great back-up for Kuridrani - provided he is anywhere near his old form.
A.Fainga will add depth but I very much doubt he'll get a lot of game time.
Is A.Smith signed for next year? He's a great back-up for Kuridrani - provided he is anywhere near his old form.
neilc
Bob Loudon (25)
What's the view in Brumbieland on the coaches and tactics? It seems to me with the experience you have in 9-10-12-13 that there should be something more than mauling as your key attack. Watching the Blues (and later on the Chiefs) tonight was an education in ball handling, hard running and quick passing. Unfortunately the Reds couldn't match it (no surprises) but thought the Brumbies would have had more to offer.
Brumby Runner
David Wilson (68)
I have strong misgivings about the current coaching setup. Coaches are responsible for the game plan, developing combinations and structures (in defense especially), fitness and ensuring the roster has players with the skills and experience to fulfill the requirements of all positions in the team.
At present, and over most of the season, the game plan has been too conservative imo. It is heavily targeted at getting forward dominance, mainly through set piece, and is used to the detriment of just about every other skill function available to the team. We need to see the scrum being used primarily to win penalties dropped from the plan. It is meant to be a quick restart after a breakdown, but the way the Brumbies have been concentrating on winning the scrum battle deprives the backs of quick ball to use to the best of their skill levels.
And, unfortunately, the impact of a forwards dominated game plan doesn't end there. Too often, with the backline set, the play will be disrupted by a forward taking the ball at about the No 12 spot and just dying as soon as the defense is reached. Main culprits are Squeaky Moore and David Pocock.
Also, with the retirement of Ita Vaea, there is no other forward in the team who can consistently get over the gain line or break the defense in close. Yet they persist phase after phase with the locks and backrowers going one out and mostly getting nowhere.
Against the Blues, it seemed that there was no tactic/strategy to use the backline constructively until late in the game when it had already been well and truly lost. Then the problem seems to be a lack of real pace in the backs. Contrast our use of backline play with any of the NZ sides where they are willing to throw the ball wide from the outset and are constantly probing for weaknesses in the defense.
There is also a problem with the roster. Not having a proper No 7 backup is costing us atm. Jarrad Butler is more effective at 8, though very much the workhorse type of 8 that seems to be preferred by Aus coaches currently, and neither he nor Michael Wells are particularly effective ball runners at No 8. The lack of express pace in the outside backs is also causing grief I believe. The Brumbies' present 11, 13 and 14 must be about the slowest in the whole competition. Without pace, the rare linebreaks that do occur can easily be nullified.
Many other problems as well - poor kicking option taking, poor or absence of a kick chase, poor ball handling and passing technique by many players.
It is up to the coaches to identify these issues and to take some corrective action. developing an attacking game plan might be a good first step.
At present, and over most of the season, the game plan has been too conservative imo. It is heavily targeted at getting forward dominance, mainly through set piece, and is used to the detriment of just about every other skill function available to the team. We need to see the scrum being used primarily to win penalties dropped from the plan. It is meant to be a quick restart after a breakdown, but the way the Brumbies have been concentrating on winning the scrum battle deprives the backs of quick ball to use to the best of their skill levels.
And, unfortunately, the impact of a forwards dominated game plan doesn't end there. Too often, with the backline set, the play will be disrupted by a forward taking the ball at about the No 12 spot and just dying as soon as the defense is reached. Main culprits are Squeaky Moore and David Pocock.
Also, with the retirement of Ita Vaea, there is no other forward in the team who can consistently get over the gain line or break the defense in close. Yet they persist phase after phase with the locks and backrowers going one out and mostly getting nowhere.
Against the Blues, it seemed that there was no tactic/strategy to use the backline constructively until late in the game when it had already been well and truly lost. Then the problem seems to be a lack of real pace in the backs. Contrast our use of backline play with any of the NZ sides where they are willing to throw the ball wide from the outset and are constantly probing for weaknesses in the defense.
There is also a problem with the roster. Not having a proper No 7 backup is costing us atm. Jarrad Butler is more effective at 8, though very much the workhorse type of 8 that seems to be preferred by Aus coaches currently, and neither he nor Michael Wells are particularly effective ball runners at No 8. The lack of express pace in the outside backs is also causing grief I believe. The Brumbies' present 11, 13 and 14 must be about the slowest in the whole competition. Without pace, the rare linebreaks that do occur can easily be nullified.
Many other problems as well - poor kicking option taking, poor or absence of a kick chase, poor ball handling and passing technique by many players.
It is up to the coaches to identify these issues and to take some corrective action. developing an attacking game plan might be a good first step.
neilc
Bob Loudon (25)
Thanks BR, I haven't watched the Brumbies as closely as you but I had the same general feeling that it was too forward dominated, playing for the rolling maul especially and getting penalties. Given that Larkham is the attack coach for the Wallabies, and in his day was a very good running/passing back, both at fullback and 10, I am surprised that we are not seeing those skills come through. The passing/offloading by the Blues last night (and the Chiefs) was just so far beyond what we are seeing from the Australian teams - I can't believe that it is simply a case of they have players with so much more skill, the Blues #12 Pieres Francis is a young English player who came to NZ to try his luck, and he seems to be able to keep up with the passing/running of the rest of the Blues so why can't Australian teams demonstrate that? I'd really like to know how they implement that approach in their teams and how it can be transferred to other teams.
mst
Peter Johnson (47)
^^^^ and i am starting to really question some of the signings for next year.
So far we have signed guys that can't break in to starting teams (from within the squad) or get regular runs , or are bench players.
Lolo Fakaosilia doesn't appear to provide anything about some of the JiD players, so it begs the question why the local talent is being overlooked.
As for the potential signing of Godwin, IMHO it screams continuing issues. The stats show is very much like Toouma performance wise this year (not sure who its reflects worse on?), which show that Larkham is looking at the same game plan, which is a rinse and repeat of this seasons issue of the backline not being threatening; so the trend most likely will continue.
A Fainga'a's signing just delays the development of a player for a year and provides little return. The same can be argued with Saia's signing for 1 year.
Alcock might assist in the 7 space to fill the Pocock void but its a big ask. Wells is looking OK but needs time.
So far we have signed guys that can't break in to starting teams (from within the squad) or get regular runs , or are bench players.
Lolo Fakaosilia doesn't appear to provide anything about some of the JiD players, so it begs the question why the local talent is being overlooked.
As for the potential signing of Godwin, IMHO it screams continuing issues. The stats show is very much like Toouma performance wise this year (not sure who its reflects worse on?), which show that Larkham is looking at the same game plan, which is a rinse and repeat of this seasons issue of the backline not being threatening; so the trend most likely will continue.
A Fainga'a's signing just delays the development of a player for a year and provides little return. The same can be argued with Saia's signing for 1 year.
Alcock might assist in the 7 space to fill the Pocock void but its a big ask. Wells is looking OK but needs time.
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