There's a fair argument to make the Brumbies' 40-36 win over the Waratahs was the best Australian derby of 2023, maybe even the best game of Super Rugby Pacific 2023 so far.
The Waratahs came with a point to prove but the class of the hosts was the difference in the end as Corey Toole's late try proved the difference.
Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
So what did we learn?
1.THE REAL WINNER
With Eddie Jones set to name his first squad as Wallabies coach, a bevy of hopefuls stood up, no more than Wallabies skipper James Slipper.
Slipper bullied the Tahs at scrum time and bulldozed Mark Nawaqanitawase for his second try in a player-of-the-match performance. Nawaqanitawase responded with a piece of magic through a chip and chase, only for Pete Samu to cross five minutes later.
Outside of this, both Lonergans were strong for the Brumbies whilst Tom Wright and Nic White were at their best.
Max Jorgensen continues to prove he belongs at the top level, aided by centres Lalakai Foketi and Izaia Perese. Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper and Jed Holloway were strong at the breakdown for the Waratahs in a match played at a Test-like intensity.
The Brumbies were the winners on the scoreboards but you feel like Jones may have been the real victor watching his big-name stars impress in a high-quality game.
2. ZOMBIES RISE
Make no mistake, the Waratahs-Brumbies rivalry is far from dead regardless of what Brumbies chairman Matt Nobbs says, even though this was probably the response he expected/desired.
The Waratahs came out firing with world-class flanker Michael Hooper setting the tempo with an early break to put Dylan Pietsch over for the first try. It was Hooper at his best outside of a desperate knockdown for a yellow card, finally able to work his breakdown magic.
They showed admirable fight to keep themselves in the contest despite a trio of yellows and pushed the Brumbies all the way.
The bye comes at the perfect time after two positive performances without victory, needing to use the time to regroup and refocus ahead of a crucial period for their finals hopes.
3. THE VALUE OF VERSATILITY
The Waratahs demonstrated the value of the old-school prop when both tight-head props found themselves sitting side-by-side on the bench.
Harry Johnson-Holmes was sent for ten for collapsing the maul whilst James Slipper gave Nic Berry little option but to yellow card Dan Botha after multiple penalties. Usually, this would lead to uncontested scrums and the Waratahs reduced to 12.
However, Te Tera Faulkner’s versatility came to the forefront, shifting over and allowing Tom Lambert to come on at loosehead to ensure a contest at scrum time.
The Waratahs live by a ‘Tah Tough’ mentality and it shone through during this period, defying the numbers to find a way over the line via Jed Holloway.
It speaks to the leadership and quality of their forwards, Holloway proving unstoppable to score despite two in the bin whilst Will Harris and Hooper proved key in the build-up.
4. A TALE OF TWO TENS
You have to feel for Ben Donaldson.
He seems like a player struggling for confidence after a breakout 2022. His kicking execution has been off in 2023 and his bomb that went out on the full in the 75th minute invited the Brumbies back into the contest.
Up stepped Jack Debreczeni, who produced a perfect ball to Corey Toole for the game-winner. He’s returned a more confident and controlled player than the one who showed glimpses of talent with the Rebels.
The combination of Debreczeni and Ryan Lonergan is working wonders for the Brumbies whether starting or finishing a game.
As for Donaldson, the Waratahs need to get around the young playmaker because he is a real talent at his best, just look at the Wallabies' last Test
5. A WILD WEEK
Len Ikitau will be exhausted just thinking about the past seven days
He started the week welcoming the birth of his son before announcing a brand-new deal with the Brumbies and Rugby Australia.
Ikitau was in a celebration mood and willed the hosts into the contest with a pair of brilliant plays.
He showed his under-rated athleticism to pull off an incredible try-saver on Izaia Perese, rewarded with a try of his minutes later off a Tamati Tua grubber.
Unfortunately, his troublesome calf would tighten, forcing him off the field at half-time. The Brumbies will be eager to get him back to full fitness because he proved how deadly he can be
