Five things we learnt from Brumbies-Moana Pasifika
The ACT Brumbies were tested by Moana Pasifika early but found a way to outclass them to secure the bonus point win.
The firepower of Stephen Larkham's side was on full display as they closed out the 62-36 win.
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They remain one of two unbeaten teams in Super Rugby and continue to get better.
So what did we learn?
1.Maul masters
There is no team better at the attacking maul than the Brumbies.
The Brumbies have made a name for themselves in their area by rolling over the top of teams but showed subtle class and variation in the first half.
Needing a spark, they unleashed Rob Valetini down the short side instead of his usual crash-ball role to draw in numbers, allowing Pete Samu to slice through.
The constant variation meant Moana could never fully commit to the initial contact, allowing Reimer to score twice in ten minutes at the back.
It’s the slightest tweaks but it provides the Brumbies with just enough space and time to break apart teams and score at will.
2. Continuing to improve
Moana Pasifika have shown remarkable growth from 12 months ago.
Whilst they have started the season winless, they showed enough glimpses tonight to indicate they will grab some key upsets in 2023.
The confidence down a player to catch the Brumbies short for Fine Inisi’s try was a wonderful display of attacking Rugby just before the half.
Defence remains a concern, but they will continue to get better with time.
3. Telepathy
Ryan Lonergan and Andy Muirhead just have a sixth sense for the try line.
For the second time in a month, Lonergan has caught a team napping after a penalty. It was a cross-field kick against the Waratahs in round one, this time the simplest tap and pass to his winger.
It’s just reward for Muirhead, who is the underrated hero of this backline with his rock-solid defence and elite finishing ability. His ball to fellow winger Corey Toole was magical to cap the bonus-point win
As for Lonergan, he does his Wallabies bolter hopes little harm after a picture-perfect 50-22 minutes after the try assist.
4. Wright moves
Tom Wright’s move to fullback seems to be bringing the best out of Noah Lolesio.
Wright operates as that second playmaker, allowing the flyhalf to attack the line with seemingly more freedom than he did in the past. Lolesio was criticised for being too deep against England last July and he’s made significant shifts in backing his attacking ability.
The fullback’s long ball to Tamati Tua was a great example of how he continues to develop his skills, engaging the defenders with his eyes before delivering the bullet pass.
5. True test ahead
The Brumbies survived a scare against Moana Pasifika but know they need to find another level to compete with the Crusaders.
The high level Crusaders-Blues game that proceeded the contest at GIO Stadium showed the level Stephen Larkham’s men must be at next Friday. They can’t avoid to concede 36 points against the likes of Mo’unga and co.
They will get Len Ikitau and Allan Alaalatoa back, knowing a win cements their title hopes
