With just days left until Super Rugby 2020 kicks off, we're taking a look at the prospects of each Australian team.
Today, it's the Brumbies.
SQUAD
IN: Harry Lloyd, Sham Vui, Lachlan Lonergan, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Will Miller, Issak Fines, Noah Lolesio, Reesjan Pasitoa, Guy Porter, Solomone Kata
OUT: Vunipola Fifita, Josh Mann-Rea, Rory Arnold, Sam Carter, Ben Hyne, David Pocock, Matt Lucas, Christian Lealiifano, Wharenui Hawera, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Lausii Taliauli, Chance Peni
Forwards
Allan Alaalatoa, Jahrome Brown, Tom Cusack, Murray Douglas, Blake Enever, Folau Fainga’a, Nick Frost, Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, Harrison Lloyd, Lachlan Lonergan, Lachlan McCaffrey, Connal McInerney, Will Miller, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Ross, Pete Samu, Scott Sio, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Rob Valetini, Shambeckler Vui
Backs
Tom Banks, Issak Fines, Mack Hansen, Len Ikitau, Solomone Kata, Bayley Kuenzle, Tevita Kuridrani, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan, Andy Muirhead, Reesjan Pasitoa, Guy Porter, Joe Powell, Toni Pulu, Irae Simone, Tom Wright
BOOM RECRUITS
Solomone Kata
Kata integrated himself into the Brumbies system almost immediately and is set to be given the chance to start on the wing in round one. Has some exciting power and pace and will add some much-needed bulk to the Brumbies backline.
Will Miller
He might not have the inside running on a starting backrow spot just yet but Miller is a very canny addition for the Brumbies. He stepped up in the absence of Michael Hooper at times for the Waratahs and rarely puts a foot wrong.
BURNING QUESTIONS
Can they turn untried flyhalves into Super Rugby stars?
The Brumbies come into 2020 with three flyhalf options but none who have actually played Super Rugby. Noah Lolesio looked right at home in their Super Rugby trial while Bayley Kuenzle showed some exciting signs as well. Teenager Reesjan Pasitoa is a player who has all the hype on him but is yet to play against men at any level. Dan McKellar’s challenge is ensuring the Brumbies system takes some of the heat off the rookies and lets them work their way into top flight rugby.
How will Allan Alaalatoa fill Christian Lealiifano’s shoes?
It’s never easy to step into a team’s captaincy but to fill the hole left by Christian Lealiifano would be arguably the biggest challenge any player could face. Lealiifano was an inspirational leader for the Brumbies even before he battled leukaemia and he is the only leader most of his teammates have really had. Alaalatoa will be a different kind of skipper but how he leads will set the tone for the rest of his team.
Will they be able to buck a trend of slow starts?
The Brumbies have gotten off to sluggish starts in recent seasons and in 2018, it ultimately cost them the chance to play finals. Last year they managed to come home with a wet sail, leapfrogging others to qualify for finals but they can’t rely on that every season. With three home matches to kick off 2020, the Brumbies will be looking to jump out of the blocks and that will set up their year.
THE BLUE PRINT
Strengths
Power forwards
The Brumbies monstered an understrength Rebels pack in their only preseason trial and it’s a trend you would expect to continue through the year. They have a starting Wallabies front row and then some and they will lean on that again in 2020. Even in that trial, the Brumbies leaned on their pack to generate momentum and there will likely be plenty more where that came from.
The weak link
Unproven playmakers
This will ultimately be the make-or-break element of the Brumbies season. Finding and maintaining consistent Australian 10s in recent years has been difficult for all of the Super Rugby sides. The way they deploy and manage their rookie playmakers this season will make all the difference in their bid for another finals berth.
Second row question marks
The second row is also a department where they lost two pillars in 2019. The departure of stalwarts Rory Arnold and Sam Carter opened the door for a red-hot competition for lock spots, in a team that has developed one of the best lineouts in Super Rugby in recent years.
WHAT THEY NEED TO WIN SUPER RUGBY
To start strong and continue the path that was laid down by their key leaders in recent years. It’s no coincidence that the Brumbies have been Australia’s most consistently successful franchise in the past six years.
2020 PREDICTIONS
Most-carded player
Folau Fainga'a
Leading try scorer
Tom Banks
HEADLINE YOU WON'T SEE
Brumbies in hot water over late-night altercation
WHAT NETFLIX SHOW ARE THEY MOST LIKE?
Hart of Dixie. A new generation trying to make their mark, integrate into the community and build a legacy.
