Hard work driving Brumbies U20s

Wed, Mar 16, 2016, 6:00 AM
Patrick Foulkes
by Patrick Foulkes
Jordan Jackson-Hope is the Brumbies Colts captain. Photo: Brumbies
Jordan Jackson-Hope is the Brumbies Colts captain. Photo: Brumbies

The Brumbies U20s will attempt to halt the undefeated Queensland outfit when they meet in round four of the Super U20s Championship at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.  

With the Brumbies U20s achieving their first win last weekend against the Western Force U20s, Head Coach Russell Ingram has said the recovery has been difficult for the young men from the Nation’s Capital. 

“It was good to get the win (against the Force). It’s a tough gig going over there and flying back to get the boys ready for this week has been challenging.  

“We’re certainly happy with the result but there are a few things we need to improve on but we are one from two.” 

With a Super U20s Final appearance still a possibility for the young Brumbies, Ingram has put a lid on any such talk.  

“It’s the old cliché but we certainly are only looking at this weekend’s game and trying to get the boys to put their best foot forward for selection, play as a team and play for the full 80 minutes, that’s our aim. 

“I think we are getting better with each game but this is a massive challenge. Queensland are really good outfit and there set piece is probably the best in the competition. 

“The Queensland squad have got three wins in a row and will be looking to beat all four sides this weekend. 

“I think the two best scrums will meet this weekend. If we can compete well at the lineout hopefully we can claim some parity.” 

With Taniela Tupou from Queensland, otherwise known as “Tongan Thor” causing havoc on defensive systems around the country, Ingram said the Brumbies wouldn’t be drawn on individuals from either team.   

“We’re not really looking at it (players) in that way. They have got some strengths in different parts of the park that they focus on as well and we have our own guys who are playing some good footy. 

“I think it’s going to be a really good challenge for not just those boys but for a number of other players who are trying to get selection in the Australian squad to start the process to go to the Junior World Cup.”

With an initial squad of Australian U20s players expected in the coming weeks, Ingram has cast his eye at some of the young talent around the country.  

“There are a number of boys who I think are tracking pretty well.  

“I think the players understand that every time that they run out that they are being viewed by the opposition and by selectors. 

“A lot of work goes into the U20s from all five franchises and these players have been going since October. It’s a long campaign and they are all trying to get their opportunity to impress I guess. 

“I think it’s exciting and the boys get excited to have those opportunities (Suncorp) it was good to go over and experience the West at NIB Stadium. It’s part and parcel of the stepping stones of these boys in getting the experience of this Championship. 

“We’re all excited to go up to Queensland, I think it’s one of the best Rugby Stadiums in the world (Suncorp) so we are looking forward to it. “ 


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