Moore maintains simple focus

Mon, Feb 22, 2016, 4:00 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman

Neither a milestone game, external expectations nor the mystery around David Pocock’s contract will tear Stephen Moore’s focus from clinching an opening round win against the Hurricanes.

Moore is set to play his 150th Super Rugby game this weekend but said that mark wasn’t at the front of his mind.

“It’s a nice thing but my big focus is on the team’s performance and our first game and starting really well,” he said.

“I think when you start out you don’t ever think that that’s (playing 150 matches) going to happen.

“I’ve been really lucky along the way to have relatively few injuries and had some really good coaches over the time that have helped me continue to improve.

“The personal stuff doesn't’ mean a hell of a lot to me.”

While a raft of players will be departing the Brumbies this season, including Moore, the Wallabies captain said there wasn’t any more pressure on the team to be successful than in other years.

“I suppose whoever's going where at the end of the year, whether you’re staying on or moving on, what we do this year will be with us as part of our careers,” he said.

“It's an opportunity to do something special but that’s all it is.”

Moore said improving consistency was the only that opportunity could be translated into success.

“It’s an opportunity and we know there's a lot of hard work involved in that and being consistent,” he said.

“That’s an area we’ve probably let ourselves down in the last couple of years, we’ve probably been a little bit inconsistent through that middle part of the season.

“To  win the competition you've got to be consistent from start to finish.”

While many of the Brumbies’ futures are secured both locally and internationally, flanker David Pocock is yet to publicly declare his future but Moore said it wouldn't affect the side.

“To be honest it’s  not a distraction,” he said.

“I don’t think putting deadlines on it will help.

“Dave will work it out in his own time. he’s got enough people giving him advice and I’l just give him the space he needs.

“What I know is the people in Australian rugby are working incredibly hard to keep Dave in Australia and playing for the Wallabies.

“There’s many different scenarios that can be worked out there.

“So he’ll have an idea of what he wants to do and I’m sure the people involved are working hard to make that happen.”

Fans got a glimpse of the side the Brumbies would likely be fielding come round one in a dominant performance against the Reds in their final trial.

With no major injuries in that match, it’s likely a similar line up will face the Hurricanes in a rematch of last year’s Super Rugby final.

The Brumbies take on the Hurricanes at GIO Stadium on Friday night.

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