The Waratahs fight back with a brilliant try
Isaac Kailea has barely been on the field as a replacement for prop Angus Bell, but what an impact. He made a huge hit on Andy Muirhead, turning over the ball, before some great hands from Taniela Tupou and Rob Leota sends through halfback Teddy Wilson.
A fantastic response from the Waratahs to the huge physicality of the Brumbies.
It’s fire against fire.
Waratahs 7 Brumbies 6
Len Ikitau of the Brumbies is tackled against the WaratahsCredit: Getty Images
Early injury for the Waratahs as Mahe Vailanu
Mahe Vailanu has left the field holding his arm gingerly, sustained trying to tackle Luke Reimer.
Given Vailanu’s reputation as the toughest of Waratahs, he must be in serious distress to leave the field this early.
Vailanu himself was a late replacement for Dave Porecki, so now Julian Heaven who performed so well last year gets a long-awaited opportunity.
Waratahs 0 Brumbies 6
Len Ikitau of the Brumbies is tackled against the WaratahsCredit: Getty Images
Brumbies nudge over another penalty
Noah Lolesio put his side into a great field position with 50-22 and the Brumbies will be disappointed not to score a try.
Right in front of the posts, Lolesio takes the pragmatic option and goes for the posts. The Brumbies look totally unfazed and this could be a long night for the Waratahs.
Waratahs 0 Brumbies 6
Rob Leota warming up for the WaratahsCredit: Getty Images
Huge early hits
There have been some massive early shots from both sides with the Waratahs No.8 getting lined up by Wallabies teammate Len Ikitau.
Every player knows that they are auditioning for Wallabies places and the early physicality is showing from both sides.
Waratahs 0 Brumbies 3
Brumbies take early lead
The Brumbies take the lead with a simple penalty from Noah Lolesio after a costly infraction from hooker Mahe Vailanu for playing the halfback in the ruck.
A needless error from the hooker which will not help coach Dan McKellar’s blood pressure.
Waratahs 0 Brumbies 3
The Waratahs hoping to stop the 13 match winning streak from the BrumbiesCredit: Getty Images
The mechanics of the maul
One of the key talking points this week for the Waratahs has been their poor maul defence that ultimately led to the Reds rumbling down the field for 25 metres for a try almost unopposed, except for NSW halfback Teddy Wilson.
My compatriot Paul Cully argues that prop Taniela Tupou should not be solely blamed for the defensive mess. It was a collective lack of rugby IQ that ultimately cost the Waratahs in Brisbane.
Read his piece here
Taniela Tupou has been unfairly singled out for the Waratahs’ defeat to Queensland.Credit: Getty Images
And the Brumbies
The Brumbies are nearly back to full strength across the board, with their back three of Wright, Muirhead and Toole really bringing a spark to a team traditionally known for their forwards.
In his first stint as Brumbies coach, Stephen Larkham tasked Dan McKellar with creating the best maul in club rugby, and now the Waratahs coach needs to meet his creation.
The backrow of Hooper, Reimer and Valetini will have a huge battle against the Waratahs’ combination of Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota and Langi Gleeson. The clash between Gleeson and Valetini at No.8 could be worth the price of admission alone.
Valetini is returning for his first game of Super Rugby after recovering from a hamstring injury and provides a huge boost to the visitors.
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan; Rob Valetini, Luke Reimer, Tom Hooper, Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Feao Fotuiaka, Lachie Shaw, Rory Scott, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Austin Anderson
Rob Valentini will play his first Super Rugby game of the yearCredit: Getty Images
How the Waratahs are lining up
There is a single change for the Waratahs, Dave Porecki is a late injury, with Mahe Vailanu replacing him at hooker, with Julian Heaven coming onto the bench.
Speaking of smashing historic hoodoos, the Reds get the job done in Otago
A brilliant performance from the Reds in Otago to beat the Highlanders by six points.
Centre Filipo Daugunu scored two tries in the win and has done his Wallabies credentials no harm.
