Round 5: Brumbies v Highlanders, Sat 25 March, 7:45pm AEDT - GIO Stadium

[Brumby Jack]

The Brumbies have ruled Josh Mann-Rea out with a knee injury but not sure of the severity of the injury.

The Clan are expecting Fletcher Smith and Fekitoa back after concussion last week. Patrick Osborne should also be back in the backline.

The weather is looking rubbish for the rest of the week so hopefully it's not like that game last year and more like last week.

 

[Brumby Jack]

Ref: Marius van der Westhuizen
AR1: Angus Gardner
AR2: James Leckie
TMO: Ian Smith

 

[mudskipper]

Great tge Brumbies confidence is high... To Beat the Clan will require a good coaching strategy and absolute disciplined play... Will be a tough one... Would be great to have Saia back if possible to come on off the bench

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), James Leckie (Australia)
TMO: Ian Smith (Australia)

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (c), 14 Patelesio Tomkinson, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Richard Buckman, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Fletcher Smith, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Dillon Hunt, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Replacements: 16 Greg Pleasants-Tate, 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Siosuia Halanukonuka, 19 Joe Wheeler, 20 Gareth Evans, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Marty Banks, 23 Matt Faddes

 

[Ulrich]

Highlanders will have too much for the young Brumbies.

 

[Braveheart81]

 

[Slim 293]

I like the fact that we can rotate locks with minimal fuss........

Enever is potentially our best lineout lock, although he won't offer as much in attack as Arnold.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Slim, I'd rate Tom Staniforth as our best lineout operator, for his expertise on both our throw and the opposition's throw. Seems to put a lot of pressure on opposition throw and wins a few turn overs.

However, they certainly a choice of high performing locks at their disposal.

Two changes to the front row, but it will still be strong. Mayhew coming in allows Ben A to revert to the TH side off the bench. Alexander's performances to date and his versatility must be coming under scrutiny again at the Wallaby level.

Possibly the bench front row is just as strong, or maybe a little stronger?

A 6/2 split on the bench indicates the style of game they are expecting.

Nigel Ah Wong is unlucky to miss out this week after a good effort last week.

Jordan Smiler is making the most of his opportunity at No 8.

This is a good squad and will give a good account of themselves, but the Highlanders will be a tough nut to crack.

 

[mudskipper]

Great to see the Saia joining the team this week...
And pleased the Fainga'a boys are back with the Brumbies...

Great to see Sio back first game of 2017... big one could be an very important win if they can get it...

Great to see Alcock back and the rotation policy is working well too...

Just GREAT GREAT GREAT news...

GO GET'EM BRUMBIES...

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Great tge Brumbies confidence is high. To Beat the Clan will require a good coaching strategy and absolute disciplined play. Will be a tough one. Would be great to have Saia back if possible to come on off the bench

Brumbies have been one of best coached sides in oz conference for a long time. I don't think enough credit is given to stephen and his coaching staff

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[Inside Shoulder]

Brumbies have been one of best coached sides in oz conference for a long time. I don't think enough credit is given to stephen and his coaching staff

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And those before them, with a few exceptions. Brumbies consistently make the right calls on long term talent identification and get the best out of overlooked players recruited from their north.

 

[Scrubber2050]

Sounds like the Reds should "poach" their Talent Identification people. Current Reds bloke has not hit many goals over the past few years.

 

[NTT]

Lets go brumbies!

We can't let the powder puff blue mob be the only Aussie team to win this weekend!

 

[Pedrolicus]

I'm predicting a Brumby win based on my bias and their all wallaby reserve front row. Brums by 8.

 

[Inside Shoulder]

who's got the whistle

 

[Pedrolicus]

who's got the whistle

marius van der westhuizen

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

I do love a good stat but FFS Clarke shits me when he unloads them 100 at a time & like he's got less than two minutes to get them all out..............

 

[Pedrolicus]

shoulder to the head, that's a penalty.

 

[Pedrolicus]

Not late, but high.

 

[ACR]

shoulder to the head, that's a penalty.

Red card to the Irish.