The Brumbies have lost a lot of experience from
Larkham, Gregan and Paul, plus Mortlock for the first half of the season, and
the big question is how they go without their long established players. It is
likely that either Huxlexy or Lealiifano will be given the job to fill Larkham's
boots. Whoever it is, there will be high expectations. There are also
questions over who will fill the void left by Jeremy Paul.
Out of all the Australian teams, the Brumbies are likely to have the most
unsettled team at the start of the competition. Expect to see a lot of new
faces this year.
Also arguably playing against the Brumbies will be
the ELVs. The Brumbies have always been Australia's most structured side, but
under the ELVs they have struggled, despite having a forward pack that should
suit it. The Vikings, basically the Brumbies team in the MARC, had the best
team on paper and was the favourite for the tournament but played poorly
throughout. Some poor trial form under the ELVs has also not helped the
Brumbies.
However, the Brumbies made some astute acquisitions to their playing
roster this year despite the losses. They are also Australia's most successful
Super team, and have always managed to breed a winning culture and unearth
unexpected talent. However, it's possible this year may be a year to forget for
the Brumbies.
Gains:
Benn Alexander, prop (?)
Huia Edmonds, hooker (Stormers)
Peter Kimlin, lock/flanker (rookie)
Mitchell Chapman, blindside (Reds)
Josh Holmes, scrumhalf (Waratahs)
Christian Lealiifano, flyhalf (rookie)
Matt To'omua, flyhalf (rookie)
Tyrone Smith, inside centre (Harlequins - League)
Benn Alexander was one of the findings of the MARC, where he scrummaged
very well and was dynamic around the park. If memory serves me rightly, he was
sent by the Brumbies to England for a year to improve his scrummaging and
returned for the MARC. Tyrone Smith is the brother of George Smith and has
returned to rugby. Don't expect to see much of him. Mitchell Chapman and Josh
Holmes should prove to be good signings.
Watch out for Matt Toomua. A Brisbane boy right out of high school, he
was quickly signed by the Brumbies. He plays like a young version of Noddy
Lynagh. However, it is very unlikely that he will be seen too much this year.
Losses:
Jeremy Paul, hooker (UK)
David Palavi, hooker (forced retirement)
Daniel Heenan, blindside (Japan)
George Gregan, scrumhalf (France)
Luke Burgess, scrumhalf (Waratahs)
Stephen Larkham, flyhalf (Japan)
Matt Carraro, centre/wing (Waratahs)
The end of an era for the Brumbies.
Best Team: (15 to 1)
Julian Huxley, Clyde Rathbone, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Gene Fairbanks, Mark
Gerrard, Christian Lealiifano, Josh Holmes, Stephen Hoiles, George Smith,
Mitchell Chapman, Al Campbell, Mark Chisholm, Guy Shepherdson, Saia Faingaa, Nic
Henderson
Note: Mortlock will miss at least half of the season due to injury.
Rathbone may also be under an injury cloud.
Reserves:
Huia Edmonds, Benn Alexander, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Jone Tawake, Patrick
Phibbs, Anthony Faingaa, Francis Fainifo
Other players:
Salesi Ma'afu (prop), John Ulugia (prop / converted hooker), Richard
Stanford (lock), Peter Kimlin (lock / blindside), Julian Salvi (opeside), Matt
Toomua (flyhalf), Tyrone Smith (inside centre), Peter Playford, Peter Betham
(fullback)
Strengths:
The Brumbies loosies should thrive under the ELVs; Mortlock when not
injured; prop depth (for an Australian team)
Weaknesses:
Loss of leadership, experience and talismans; may struggle to adapt to the
ELVs as fast as other teams
Likely Finish:
8 - 12. Unfortunately, this is not likely to be the year of the Brumby.
A bottom half finish and the worst placed Australian side is a big possibility
for the Brumbies.
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