The Brumbies pulled off a big win in Pretoria, against the odds.
What are we talking about after that 38-28 victory?
1. Fight comes to the fore
The Brumbies were down a man with 18 minutes to go, but instead of folding up, the Canberra side looked better than they had all game, or in fact all season, in Pretoria. It was a performance that had spectators asking where it had been for the rest of the year.
2. Discipline, discipline, discipline
The Brumbies were left to rue yet another red card in South Africa, when Folau Faingaa was sent off in Pretoria. Faingaa’s brain fade was a blatant one and though it appeared it could be soft enough for a yellow, there was no such leniency from the officials. Harsh or not, it was not a good look with the Brumbies down by just one point at the time. Luckily it didn’t cost the Brumbies in the end, but it’s something they need to ensure doesn’t become a trend.
3. Pocock peaking at the right time
David Pocock has had some injury worries this season but this was his best game of 2018. Not only was he a beast in defence, but Pocock was influential in attack, setting up two tries for his side. It’ll be a pleasing sight for Brumbies fans but maybe even more so for Wallabies fans, with the June Series just a fortnight away.
4. Pack ploughing away
The Brumbies’ attack clinched the win in the end for the Brumbies, but their powerful scrummaging gave them ascendency over the Bulls for much of the game. Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa will be battling for Wallabies spots in the next fortnight and the duo certainly did their prospects of retaining their positions in the Test pecking order no harm at all.
5. Laughing all the way to the Banks
Tom Banks has been sensational in South Africa, adding some desperately-needed spark to the Brumbies. A stunning try that put the Brumbies in front for the first time in the match capped off a super performance from the youngster, who has gone from strength to strength since moving to the ACT from Queensland.
