Following the ACT Brumbies’ 40-17 victory over the NSW Waratahs, here are our five takeaways from the Australian Super Rugby Pacific derby.
Top line
The Waratahs failed to complete the season double as the Brumbies rambled to a 40-12 victory over their former head coach to cement third place on the overall standings.
Corey Toole, Len Ikitau and Billy Pollard all scored for the Brumbies in a competitive first half, with Langi Gleeson and Joseph Suaalii crossing for the Waratahs, who trailed 19-12 at the break.
However, the men from the ACT took control of the second half, scoring 21 unanswered points courtesy of prop Allan Alaalatoa before Pollard and Toole doubled their tallies to go into a commanding lead.
The Waratahs would have the final say in the match with a deserved consolation try for full-back Andrew Kellaway, but it was too little, too late for the NSW outfit by that stage as the hosts clinched the bonus point victory.
Brumbies flex
Season after season, the Brumbies have been arguably the best Australian outfit, boasting a powerhouse pack and a resolute defence.
However, that was not entirely evident last week against the Hurricanes, but Stephen Larkham’s charges responded to that setback in stunning fashion to put the Waratahs to the sword.
The second half showing was emphatic as they dominated the gain-line and, for the large part, the set-pieces too. Tom Wright was superb at the back too, while Rob Valetini threw down the hammer yet again.
The Brumbies have been a difficult team to knock over at home this season, and with a home run of matches after a trip to Perth next week, they will fancy their chances of finishing in the top two and having a home semi-final.
Joseph Suaalii
We got an indication of just how impactful the former Sydney Roosters star would be in union last November as he shone for the Wallabies.
There is no doubt that he will have a massive influence on the outcome of the British and Irish Lions, whether Joe Schmidt opts to deploy him at centre again or follow Dan McKellar’s lead by playing him at full-back.
While his all-round skills and instincts are simply sensational, there is a real risk in his game that stems from his league career – his tackling.
Prior to making his code switch, Joseph Suaalii became the sixth player in State of Origin history to be red-carded after a horrific tackle on Queensland’s Reece Walsh.
Today, he almost replicated that shot as he charged up on Lolesio and hammered the Brumbies pivot, with a notable lack of arms. This time around, he was fortunate that there was no head contact and that the Brumbies scored, meaning that his actions weren’t overly scrutinised.
But that certainly won’t be the case when the Lions arrive. That was one moment from the match, and he absolutely did a lot more good than bad, but even the legendary Sonny Bill Williams made a dangerous league-esque tackle against the Lions, which cost the All Blacks. Suaalii will do well to use Williams’ tale as a warning, as he showed throughout the game that he can make fair, physical shots.
Suaalii has the opportunity to play a huge role in the outcome of the Lions Series, but he will need to be sharp to ensure it is in a positive manner. He can be the hero, but just as easily, the zero.
Wallabies watch
While Schmidt will have also made a note of Suaalii’s tackle, there was plenty for the Wallabies boss to be pleased with today.
He played a straight bat when asked about Lolesio’s chances of being selected during the Lions Series, suggesting that if he is the most in-form fly-half, he will be selected, and this weekend he made a strong case that he is.
Meanwhile, Tom Wright was sublime at the back for the Brumbies in every facet of the game in a statement shift that if Schmidt wants to find a place for Suaalii in his backline, he is going to need to usurp the ACT man first.
Langi Gleeson is another whose chances of being selected are up in the air after signing a deal to join Montpellier, but the flanker was arguably the Tahs’ best forward today. His intercept try showed his rugby IQ, and he complemented that with some mighty shots on defence and good effects with ball-in-hand, gaining 70 metres. Fellow Wallaby star Valetini was not too far behind him, gaining 58.
Kellaway was another Waratah who played consistently well from minute one to 80, with his opposing winger Toole grabbing two tries.
The one concern will still be Taniela Tupou’s form. The tighthead dominated the scrum, leading to Kellaway’s try, but it was another underwhelming shift.
Looking ahead
As mentioned above, the Brumbies will have back-to-back home matches after visiting Perth next week to tackle the Western Force.
They return to Canberra for meetings with the Queensland Reds – who were beaten by the Fijian Drua earlier today – before colliding with the Crusaders, a match that will surely decide the top three.
While the Waratahs have enjoyed a vastly improved run of form this year compared to last, their chances of making the play-offs were dealt a hammer blow today. However, they are still in with a shout despite a tough run of games including the Queensland Reds, Crusaders, Western Force and Blues.