I agree that they are still showing the good structure and low error count that made them hard to beat last year - and ensured that they did not drop games they should have won. Their issue last year was having the ability to go up a gear and beat the very good teams - on tonight's showing the jury must still be out on whether anything has changed.Brumbies look the real deal. Defence very impressive, that's what you want to see in round 1. You can build the attack in the weeks to come. Haven't missed a beat from last year, no signs of second year syndrome.
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I think most people would say the Brumbies defence was really good and were the cause of the reds not even looking like scoring.I thought both sides were one or two trial games off from putting on a more complete and less unstructured game. That said, I think it was more intense than the Rebels/ Force game, which may have lead to the error rate.
The Queensland attack seems a little off.they were on the cusp of doing things, but it didn't occur. Perhaps the Brumbies' defence needs some good praise??
Well done brums. Suprised Reds didnt put the pressure on after the consecutive penalties early on, surely pressure is king in these type of matches early on in the season especially with QC (Quade Cooper) waiting and willing. Reds defence looks good, Brums with 26 missed tackles, I am suprised at the praise they are collecting for their defence.
Lees obviously did not get the directive from Pulver, running rugby please. Too early with the whistle for mine. Too many at the breakdown from both sides supported and off their feet, but still the ball was there to use for the attacking side, FFS let them play.
Brumbies will not get the same lattitude from the refs in future rounds, the rebels will challenge them next week if they do not improve. I believe they will though, as White did not look impressed with their efforts tonight and will surely seek to rectify.
Slipper, wrong decisions made at crucial times and looked overrawed and unsettled. Give QC (Quade Cooper) the cap, he needs the responsibility. Overall, not a pretty game to watch and I hope things improve or we will see only one oz side in the palyoffs this year again.
Considering the Reds' serial offending I think they would be more concerned about their breakdown work.
In comparison the Brumbies' counter rucking was excellent.
I think they would be more unhappy about some of the sloppy ball work at the back of the ruck at times.
How long before Jake White v Ewen McKenzie boxing?... At the return match in Qld they'll all be wearing balaklavas.
Samo is pretty handy in that role but he was missing too.no other forward in Australian rugby is as good as Higgers at creating and taking attacking opportunity in loose field play.
The Brumbies won that on the back of sensational in field kicking.