The Brumbies snapped a 13-year drought with a win in Waikato on Saturday night.
What are we talking about after their
1. Nothing ugly about this win
Much of this week the Brumbies pack spent time defending their reliance on the maul, saying whatever kept the scoreboard going was good enough for them.
Labelled "ugly rugby'", the Brumbies and other teams have been criticised for their use of the tactic but it seems unlikely they'll be hearing any of that this week.
The Brumbies used their pack to create some opportunities but they reminded everyone against that the set piece is not their only attacking weapon.
Some powerful runs from Pete Samu, a Noah Lolesio offload that created Tom Banks’ opener and Solomone Kata finishing a strong attacking chain in the corner.
There’ll be no complaints about “ugly rugby” after this victory. More of it please.
2. Brumbies show true character
The Brumbies were left heartbroken last weekend against the Highlanders but they had no one to blame but themselves for coughing up a chance to win.
This weekend, they were clearly determined not to make the same mistakes against the Chiefs.
After sprinting out to a 26-0 lead, they weathered the relentless storm that the Chiefs threw at them. When James Slipper was sent to the bin, it looked like the game might unravel for the Brumbies but they held their nerve and held out the Chiefs.
Similarly, as the pressure came deep in attack they managed to claim the moments that counted the most. Significantly, their new faces were just as pivotal as their experienced men in that.
That result coming in that way will be a huge boon for the Brumbies’ confidence as they head into their bye.
3. Chiefs pay for "shell shocked" start
Complacency is a dirty word in rugby, particularly Kiwi rugby, but just maybe the Chiefs were stung by a bout of that in Hamilton on Saturday night. Warren Gatland made a host of changes to his team this week and though it was not by a weakened outfit per se, it was a curious choice to make against the Australian conference leaders.
Chiefs captain Sam Cane said after the game that they were “shellshocked” by the Brumbies early on as well.
“I think it shouldn't have surprised us but I think we were a little bit shell shocked and I think it took us until the 45, 50th minute we kicked into gear but not for long enough,” he said.
“We were put under pressure by a good Brumbies side and we'll learn from this because we can't have too many of these this year.”
Cane was spot on in saying they should not have been surprised - the Brumbies have shown in recent seasons that they are a quality team and in fact towelled up the Chiefs in Canberra last year.
4. Lolesio is the real deal
Noah Lolesio will be a Wallaby sooner rather than later.
Lolesio has entrenched himself as the best, or most ready, of Australia’s young 10s so far.
He was under a little bit of pressure after a tough night at the office against the Highlanders but he bounced back entirely in Hamilton.
The 20-year-old was cool and composed in action and wasn’t afraid to take some risks when required.
He helped engineer Tom Banks’ opening try and was pivotal in creating other opportunities.
5. Spare a thought for Luke Jacobson
You can’t help but feel for Chiefs backrower Luke Jacobson after tonight’s match.
The All Blacks flanker made his return to rugby on Saturday after almost six months out with concussion-related issues.
Jacobson was forced out of the All Blacks’ World Cup campaign with that issue and his comeback has been a long time in the making.
So, to see him exit this game early in the first half with what appeared to be a hamstring injury was gutting. Everyone in rugby will be hoping he is back on the park again soon.
