Mowen to stay Brumbies skipper

Updated January 10, 2013 14:51:12

Ben Mowen will again lead the ACT Brumbies in this season's Super 15 series ahead of Wallabies David Pocock and Stephen Moore, head coach Jake White said on Thursday.

Pocock, who has captained the Wallabies, joined the Brumbies in the off-season from the Western Force, where he also led the Perth-based Super 15 side.

White said number eight Mowen had proven himself to be a valuable leader of the Brumbies.

"Ben's proven above and beyond that he is a quality leader and the right man to be captain of this team into the future," White said.

"There were numerous times through the (last) season that his leadership proved the difference for the Brumbies and it's a pleasure to have him back in the same position for 2013."

AFP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, canberra-2600, act, australia

First posted January 10, 2013 14:51:12

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Brumbies coach no 'queue jumper'

Updated December 11, 2012 21:15:13

Brumbies coach Jake White says he has no ambitions to either take the Wallabies coaching role from Robbie Deans or leapfrog any queue for the role.

White was last week quoted as saying it would be a "dream job" to coach the Wallabies.

However the Springboks' 2007 World Cup winning coach set the record straight on Tuesday, saying he did not want to oust Deans and making it plain he was not trying to push himself ahead of heir apparent Ewen McKenzie.

"To be fair it was a bit of a difficult (question) to put to me because I coach a franchise in Australia where all players are basically eligible to play for their country," said South African White.

"But I have no ambitions of taking Robbie Deans' job or jumping in front of the queue in front of everybody.

"I have a job to do (with the Brumbies) and if that means that you get earmarked for greater things then that is fantastic."

Entering the final season of his contract, Deans has been under the pump since the Wallabies bowed out of their 2011 World Cup semi-final, with critics including former Test great David Campese lamenting their often dour play and highlighting losses to Scotland, Samoa, Ireland and a French thumping over the past 18 months.

White is entering his second season with the Brumbies, having turned them around to go within a whisker of the finals last season.

The man with runs on the board in Australia is Queensland Reds director of coaching McKenzie, who led the franchise to the Super Rugby title in 2011 and previously took the NSW Waratahs to two finals.

However White said as a fellow coach of an Australian rugby franchise it would be wrong for him not to show interest in coaching the Wallabies.

"If I coach in a country like (Australia) you've got to buy into the fact that you're in this country and you're doing it hammer and tongs. So it would be a great honour," he said.

"Any guy who is in coaching who says he wouldn't want to coach one of the best sides in the world is dreaming.

"So it is obviously something like that I would look at, but at this point in time I'm with the Brumbies and my job is to make sure I produce Wallabies."

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, canberra-2600, act, australia

First posted December 11, 2012 18:09:40

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Smith joins Brumbies coaching ranks

Updated December 11, 2012 08:09:23

Former NRL coach Brian Smith has joined the coaching staff of Super Rugby club the ACT Brumbies for next season.

Smith coached NRL clubs Parramatta, St George Illawarra, Newcastle and the Roosters.

Smith never won a premiership in more than 20 years as a top grade coach, but his football experience and track record with young players will certainly help an inexperienced Brumbies squad.

He will take on the Brumbies' role vacated by Newcastle Knights veteran Danny Buderus, working alongside Brumbies head coach Jake White.

Brumbies' chief executive Andrew Fagan says Smith will bring a wealth of experience to the club.

"There is particular focus of his work around those defensive systems, but I think because of his experience we'll be using him to look at exchanging ideas in all sorts of areas," Fagan said.

The Brumbies' appointment of Buderus as a part-time coach was over even before it started, with the NRL blocking the rugby franchise's move to sign him as a collision coach.

The league issued a statement seeking "an immediate explanation" from the Knights with regards to the deal after saying no third party agreement had been lodged as the NRL salary cap requires.

Brumbies boss Andrew Fagan said he thought that Buderus had Newcastle's blessing but evidently not the NRL's.

The Knights later said in a statement that the final agreement between Buderus and the Brumbies had not been seen by the club and needed to be submitted to and approved by the NRL.

But Newcastle chief executive Matt Gidley did say the club had encouraged Buderus to seek varied work experience.

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, nrl, rugby-league, sport, canberra-2600, act, australia

First posted December 11, 2012 08:03:06

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NRL, Brumbies collide over Buderus deal

Updated November 08, 2012 17:03:08

The Brumbies' appointment of Newcastle Knights veteran Danny Buderus as a part-time coach is over even before it started.

The NRL has blocked the Super Rugby franchise's move to sign Buderus as a collision coach, saying no third party agreement has been lodged as the salary cap requires.

The league issued a statement seeking "an immediate explanation" from the Knights with regards to the deal.

"It is hard to envisage any circumstance where an agreement could be approved that allowed a current NRL player to promote another code competing in the same market as an NRL team," interim NRL chief executive Shane Mattiske said.

"The announcement today which saw Danny at a press conference in another code's training gear underlines potential issues.

"...as much as we respect Danny’s intentions we do not see any way in which the proposal can be pursued."

Brumbies boss Andrew Fagan told Grandstand the Brumbies would simply have to wear it.

"If it doesn't work for the NRL then so be it," Fagan said.

"We will have to look for someone else but we don't have anyone in mind at the moment."

Fagan said he thought that Buderus had the Knights' blessing but evidently not the NRL's.

"It's certainly an unfortunate series of events," he said earlier on Thursday.

"We tried to provide Danny with an opportunity to pursue some coaching, which he understood he was keen to do.

"That was endorsed and supported by the Knights organisation and Wayne Bennett but unfortunately the NRL weren't aware of the deal.

"They've got some issues with it we would like to see those issues worked through but if that is not the case then we just have to move on."

Fagan said that because Newcastle had endorsed the deal, he assumed the NRL had as well.

The Knights have since said in a statement that the final agreement between Buderus and the Brumbies had not been seen by the club and needs to be submitted to and approved by the NRL.

But Newcastle chief executive Matt Gidley did say the club had encouraged Buderus to seek varied work experience.

"As Danny enters his final NRL season before retirement, we have encouraged him, as we do with all our players, to engage in wide ranging work experience in preparation for life after football," Gidley said.

Mattiske said the NRL provides avenues for players to expand their scope for post-football careers.

"In conjunction with the RLPA [Rugby League Players Association] we provide a range of specialist services to assist players in maximising off-field careers," he said.

"These are all available to Danny and all players."

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, super-rugby, rugby-union, newcastle-2300, nsw, canberra-2600, act, australia

First posted November 08, 2012 16:15:05

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Brumbies finalise roster

Updated September 26, 2012 12:17:24

Brumbies coach Jake White has completed his 2013 player roster with the signing of South African countryman Etienne Oosthuizen.

The 19-year-old Oosthuizen, who is an option at lock and in the back row, made his Super Rugby debut for the Lions in 2012.

He will fill the position of the Brumbies' foreign development player, meaning he will be available for the Wallabies after serving a period of residency in Australia.

Tags: rugby-union, super-rugby, sport, canberra-2600

First posted September 26, 2012 12:17:24

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Brumbies lining up Pocock bid

Updated July 01, 2012 16:46:26

Brumbies coach Jake White got a first-hand look on Saturday night of what he hopes David Pocock can do for his team in 2013 and feels the star flanker could get even better if he comes to Canberra.

The Force captain's contract is up at the end of the Super Rugby season, with the Wallabies star set to have plenty of offers for his services.

But after the Brumbies maintained their lead of the Australian conference with a bonus-point 28-17 win over the Force in Perth, White made it clear he is keen on bidding for Pocock - especially with openside flanker Michael Hooper set to rejoin the Waratahs next year.

"All I've done is make it quite clear that we have place in our roster for an openside flanker because Michael is obviously going back to the Waratahs," White said.

"There's been talk that David is coming up for renewal in his contract and we are handling it as diplomatic as we can in terms of giving him space.

"If he decides to come, that's fantastic and if he doesn't we have to keep going and find another player like Michael Hooper.

"I made it clear from when I took the job that I want people to come if they want to become better players and they can improve their rugby in Canberra.

"It would be wonderful if a chap like David Pocock says, 'I want to come and be part of something that I think is special in Canberra'."

For his part, Pocock wanted none of the focus to turn to him after Nathan Sharpe's final game in Perth for the Force.

"I wouldn't focus too much on me after this game. It's all about Sharpey and he has put so much into this club, and you see how much it means to him," Pocock said.

"From my point of view, it was disappointing to put out a first half performance like that even though we showed character to come back."

The Brumbies now finish the Super Rugby season against the Waratahs and Blues with both teams out of the finals race.

But White knows that especially the Waratahs this week will be determined to claim the Brumbies scalp to end its season on a brighter note.

"They have lost six in a row and there's obviously a bit of negativity in the Waratah camp in terms of coaches staying and going, but all we've got to do is make sure we get the job right," White said.

"If we just keep winning everything will fall into place. We have five weeks left of Super Rugby and if we win every game from now on in then we win the championship."

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, canberra-2600, act, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted July 01, 2012 16:17:32

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Brumbies stay ahead of Reds

Updated June 30, 2012 22:00:44

The Brumbies maintained their five-point buffer at the top of the Australian conference following a 28-17 victory over Western Force in Perth.

Tries to Jesse Mogg, Ben Alexander, Henry Speight and Zac Holmes in the first term meant the Brumbies secured the bonus point before half-time, allowing them to maintain their lead on the conference standings ahead of Queensland.

They sit on 54 points, with the Reds trailing in second place on 49, having collected a bonus point themselves when they beat the Rebels 32-17 in Melbourne on Friday night.

The result dampened the Force's hopes of posting a win in Nathan Sharpe's final appearance for the franchise on Australian soil, although the home side deserved credit for their fight-back in the second half.

They trailed 22-0 at the break but tries to Nick Cummins (two) and Toby Lynn kept the Force in the contest until Holmes slotted his second penalty goal late in the piece.

The first 16 minutes could not have possibly gone worse for the Force or better for the Brumbies with tries to Mogg and Alexander, and then flanker Matt Hodgson went off injured for the home side.

From there it was a procession for the Brumbies with two more first-half tries to Holmes and Henry Speight to have the bonus point sewn up but the Force would not go away in the second half.

Cummins' double and Lynn's try had the Force just eight points down but the Brumbies held on for the crucial win.

It was only three minutes into the match when the Brumbies flexed their muscles with Mogg collecting a pass from Holmes, easily getting through Cummins and David Pocock, around Ben Seymour and crossing for the try.

Prop Alexander then cruised through Richard Brown and Will Tupou to make it 12-0 after 11 minutes when Holmes converted for his only successful kick of the first half.

The score was locked on 12-0 for 18 more minutes, but the Brumbies finished the first half with tries to winger Speight and fly half Holmes, who gave a beautiful dummy and then stepped through a lacklustre defence to set up their half-time advantage.

But the Force did not lie down and winger Cummins held his ground out wide on two occasions in the first 10 minutes of the first half to cross for tries.

Then Lynn grounded the ball from a rolling maul in the 67th minute and David Harvey converted, the Brumbies led just 25-17 and then opened the lead to the final 11 points with a penalty from Holmes in the 73rd minute.

The Brumbies now finish their season against the Waratahs and Blues, while the Force cap off another disappointing campaign with a road trip to New Zealand to face Blues and Crusaders.

Brumbies: 28 (J Mogg, B Alexander, H Speight, Z Holmes tries; Holmes con, 2 pens)

Force: 17 (N Cummins 2, T Lynn tries; D Harvey con)

ABC/AAP

Tags: rugby-union, super-rugby, sport, perth-6000, canberra-2600

First posted June 30, 2012 21:25:54

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Brumbies stick to winning formula

Updated July 05, 2012 14:28:16

The Brumbies will use an unchanged squad for Saturday night's derby encounter against New South Wales at the Olympic stadium in Sydney.

Coach Jake White stayed loyal to the winning formula from last Saturday night's 27-18 result against Western Force in Perth, the effort enough to keep the Brumbies five points ahead of Queensland in the Australian conference.

The Brumbies are on 54 points, with the Reds trailing on 49 with two rounds until the play-offs.

The Waratahs (34 points), who are a distant third on the Australian conference standings, have made one change to the matchday squad of 22 announced on Tuesday.

Hooker John Ulugia replaces the injured Josh Mann-Rea on the reserves bench.

Brumbies squad:

Robbie Coleman, Henry Speight, Andrew Smith, Pat McCabe, Jesse Mogg, Zack Holmes, Nic White, Ben Mowen, Michael Hooper, Peter Kimlin, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, Dan Palmer, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander

Reserves: Anthony Hegarty, Ruaidhri Murphy, Leon Power, Ita Vaea, Ian Prior, Tevita Kuridrani, Cam Crawford

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, canberra-2600, sydney-2000

First posted July 05, 2012 14:28:16

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Brumbies leave door open for Reds

Updated July 15, 2012 05:46:41

Skipper Ben Mowen conceded the fate of the Brumbies is "out of their hands" after they failed to seal the Australian conference in a 30-16 loss to the Blues in Canberra on Saturday afternoon.

The door is now open for the defending champion Reds to clinch the top spot if they can rack up a bonus-point win over the Waratahs at Lang Park later on Saturday night.

All the Brumbies needed was a single point to lock up the conference, but instead the Blues charged into a 21-13 ascendancy at the interval thanks to a three-tries-to-one first half.

The Auckland-based franchise widened the gap with three penalty goals after the break and held on defensively to secure victory and deny the Brumbies the necessary losing margin of less than seven.

But Mowen denied his team-mates were more focused on the Brumbies' impending first finals campaign since 2004, when they won the tournament.

"I wouldn't like to think so, but certainly the attitude is off," he told Grandstand.

"Our destiny is not in our own hands now - we've got to wait and see the results unfold.

"But if we do get the chance at next week, I tell you what, we won't put in a performance like that."

The Brumbies must now hope that one side out of the Reds, Crusaders (at home to the Force) and Bulls (at home to the Lions) loses to ensure they bag at least a wildcard berth.

And if Jake White's men make it through at all, they will have to deal with injuries to Wallabies Dan Palmer and Joe Tomane, and fly half Zack Holmes.

"At this time of year it's all about recovery and making sure the guys that are carrying niggles, which is everyone in the squad at the moment, gets them right," Mowen said.

"We've got to be right to train because the only way we can fix things is by doing it on the training park."

The Blues came into the clash ranked 13th on the table with three wins and 12 losses to their names, and had an immediate impact on the scoreboard.

They drew first blood in the 11th minute, driving lock Liaki Moli over the line.

Playing with the kind of drive and flair that has been missing for much of their season, the Blues then made it a 14-0 deficit when Daniel Braid scored with a brilliant running try on the left.

But Mowen said the New Zealanders' fast start was not unexpected.

"I wasn't too surprised with the way they came out - I was with the way we came out," said the captain, whose side missed 33 tackles to the Blues' 10 and committed seven turnovers in the ruck.

"We had a good week of prep and there was no real signals that we were going to be off with our attitude but we certainly were in that first half.

"Any time you're not making your tackles it comes back to attitude. You can't give the Blues opportunities like that or they'll sting you every time."

It took until the second quarter for the Brumbies to score a try, with Henry Speight delighting the home crowd of 14,111 with a 25-metre run down the right sideline.

But another try to Blues winger Hadleigh Parkes saw the half-time deficit extend to 21-13 on the way to what was just the third loss for the Brumbies at home this year.

Blues skipper Keven Mealamu said his side wanted to close the 2012 season in proud fashion.

"At this very stage we had to just take care of what we had control of and that was this game today," he told Grandstand.

"I know it hasn't been the best of seasons for us but we just wanted to make sure we could finish well and just leave everything on the park.

"They're a side that don't make many mistakes ... in that last 20 minutes we had to defend quite a bit and be patient.

"They're a quality side, I know when they move further into this competition they're going to be hard to beat but ... it was our day today and we really wanted to finish well for our franchise."

Blues: 30 (L Moli, D Braid, H Parkes tries; P Weepu 3/3 conversions. Weepu 2/3 conversions, M Hobbs 1/1 penalty goals)

Brumbies: 16 (H Speight try; Z Holmes 1/1 conversions, 2/3 penalty goals, J Mogg 1/4 penalty goals)

ABC/AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, canberra-2600, act, australia, new-zealand

First posted July 14, 2012 17:18:13

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Welsh warm up with Brumbies win

Updated June 13, 2012 09:29:14

A dominant Wales secured a first win on tour with a 25-15 victory over the Brumbies at Canberra Stadium on Tuesday.

Wales held off the Brumbies to secure the first win of its 2012 Australian tour with a 25-15 victory at Canberra Stadium on Tuesday.

Wales romped in three tries to none in a blistering opening half before staving off a late comeback by the home side for a comfortable 10-point win.

"I think we'll take a lot out of that game," Brumbies captain Ben Mowen, who did not play as he is a member of the Wallabies squad, told Grandstand.

"I liked the way the guys applied themselves.

Some of the things that we've been developing through out the year paid good dividends but we're probably short in a few areas and I think our mistakes let them in later in that first half."

The win followed Welsh's 27-19 loss in the first Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane last weekend.

Wales coach Rob Howley rested most of his starting players ahead of the next Test in Melbourne on Saturday, with lock Luke Charteris the only one to back up against the Brumbies.

But against an inexperienced Brumbies team - six of whom were earning their first provincial caps - the second-best side the Six Nations champions put forward still managed to dominate.

They had the game in hand after the first half, enjoying a clear majority of possession and territory to repeatedly launch attacks, with Test veteran James Hook, Justin Tiperic and captain Alun Wyn Jones all finding their way over the line.

But Jake White's men continued their never-say-die attitude of the Super Rugby season after the break, slotting three penalties through Zack Holmes to put them within four points with 10 minutes to go.

In front of a home crowd of 7,248, they then twice looked like scoring a try before Wales held firm and then kicked two penalties of its own to put the final margin to 25-15.

Tiperic told Grandstand that it was useful experience for his side to get more game time under southern hemisphere laws, especially around the ruck where Wales struggled at the weekend against Australia.

"It's fast and very tough at the breakdown and out there tonight it was very tough in those areas," he said.

"It was great experience for the boys to be out there and play against a very good Super 15 team.

"We tried targeting [the ruck] back in the northern hemisphere as well and it's a lot different.

"We have to adapt to the referees and the teams, so it's another learning lesson tonight and hopefully we can do it a bit better on Saturday."

An audition of sorts for both squads, debuting Brumbies wingers Cam Crawford and Tom Cox both made some eye-catching runs, while 19-year-old Harry Robinson did the same for Wales in just his second game for the visitors.

"That's an amazing game for those guys to be a part of," Mowen said.

"It's not every day that you get to play an international side in Canberra and I thought our guys stood up and did really well.

"It's going to be some interesting choices for Jake and the coaching staff moving forward."

ABC/AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, act, australia, canberra-2600, wales, united-kingdom

First posted June 12, 2012 21:23:03

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Wales calls up Delve for Brumbies

Updated June 10, 2012 22:52:33

Melbourne Rebels skipper Gareth Delve has been named in Wales' side to take on the Australian conference-leading Brumbies in a tour match in Canberra on Tuesday night.

Delve, who won the last of his 11 international caps in March 2010, got the call from outside coach Rob Howley's 34-man squad to replace Toby Faletau, who is out for the rest of the Australian tour with a broken hand.

Faletau is set to fly home where his injury to be reviewed in the next few days.

Lock Luke Charteris is the only player from the first Test defeat to Australia to appear in the team chosen for Tuesday night.

Ospreys lock Ian Evans joined the Welsh squad on Sunday and was named among the replacements for Tuesday's tour game after arriving late from his wedding in Greece.

Charteris will be partnered in the second row by 64-times capped Osprey Alun Wyn Jones, who takes over the captaincy from the rested Sam Warburton.

Scarlets prop Rhodri Jones, who made his Wales debut a fortnight ago in the victory over the Barbarians, joins Bath-bound Ospreys prop Paul James and hooker Richard Hibbard in the front row.

Two more players who made their debuts against the Barbarians, Blues wing Harry Robinson and Scarlets full-back Liam Williams, were chosen while Ospreys centre Ashley Beck gets a start after coming on for Scott Williams against the Wallabies on Saturday.

"We are a game down, but we still have all to play for in this series and Tuesday night is the perfect opportunity for this squad of players to move on," Howley said.

"We have one or two bumps and bruises and we are expecting players to back up after playing a tough Test match and go out there 72 hours later and play for their country.

"But that is exactly what touring is all about. It will be a test of character for the likes of Luke Charteris, James Hook and Alun Wyn Jones who all made significant contributions on Saturday."

Wales: Liam Williams; Harry Robinson, Andrew Bishop, Ashley Beck, Aled Brew; James Hook, Rhys Webb; Paul James, Richard Hibbard, Rhodri Jones; Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Luke Charteris; Josh Turnbull, Justin Tipuric, Aaron Shingler.

Replacements: Ken Owens, Rhys Gill, Ian Evans, Gareth Delve, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland, Alex Cuthbert.

AFP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, canberra-2600, act, australia, wales, united-kingdom

First posted June 10, 2012 20:37:14

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Brumbies to blood six players for Wales

Updated June 10, 2012 22:42:10

The Brumbies are set to field a squad lighter on both years and experience when they take on reigning Six Nations champion Wales for their mid-week tour match at Canberra Stadium on Tuesday.

Of the 22-man squad named on Sunday, three will be making their run-on debuts for the season, while another six - five of whom will start on the bench - will wear the Brumbies jersey for the first time this year.

It is clear Brumbies coach Jake White is giving his young charges an opportunity to shine against top-quality international opposition, with Wales having gone down narrowly to the Wallabies 27-19 in Brisbane on Saturday.

With eight Brumbies, including skipper Ben Mowen, missing to the Wallabies squad, lock Ben Hand has been handed the captaincy reins for the match, despite having only played 50 minutes this season.

He starts in the second-row to partner semi-regular lock Leon Power, while in front of them in the scrum, hooker Anthony Hegarty and Scott Sio are getting their first starting jumpers, as is flanker Colby Fainga'a.

Australian under-20s representative Kimami Sitauti and Cam Crawford are also set to earn their first provincial caps on the wing, while five-eighth Zack Holmes and full-back Robbie Coleman retain their usual spots.

History sits with the Brumbies ahead of their clash with Wales, having defeated the tourists on their past two visits to the nation's capital in 1978 and 1996.

And although Wales is likely to rest its best players ahead of the next Test against the Wallabies in Melbourne on Saturday, Brumbies number seven Ita Vaea said it would be a chance for everyone in the squad to prove their muscle.

"Everyone's got to be very physical and there's got to be a lot of run forward, so we're not treating it different to any other game," he said.

"It's going to be hard and they're going to come at us so we've got to prepare well and take it there on Tuesday night."

The three-week international break has afforded the non-Wallaby Brumbies something of a rest, although they have been kept in the mix by playing each week in Canberra's local John I Dent competition.

White has poached two players from local side Tuggeranong Vikings for the Wales clash in Beau Mokoputo and JP Pradaud, both who will start from the bench along with fringe Brumbies Siliva Siliva, Dylan Sigg and Tom Cox.

Vaea welcomed the break as a chance to put energy back in the tank, but denied it would affect the Brumbies' momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.

The Brumbies remain on top of the Australian conference and - barring catastrophe - are set for their first finals campaign since 2004 with three games to play against Western Force, New South Wales Waratahs and the Blues at home.

Brumbies: Robbie Coleman, Cam Crawford, Tevita Kuridrani, Andrew Smith, Kimami Sitauti, Zack Holmes, Ian Prior, Ita Vaea, Colby Faingaa, Peter Kimlin, Ben Hand (capt), Leon Power, Scott Sio, Anthony Hegarty, Ruaidhri Murphy.

Res: Siliva Siliva, JP Pradaud, Dylan Sigg, Fotu Auelua, Beau Mokoputo, Tom Cox, Jesse Mogg.

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, canberra-2600, act, australia, wales, united-kingdom

First posted June 10, 2012 22:42:10

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Brumbies hold on against Rebels

Updated June 01, 2012 23:07:07

The Brumbies made sure the Reds made no ground on their lead at the top of the Australian conference following a tough 27-19 victory over Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park.

The Reds will remain five points adrift of the Brumbies, who bounced back from last weekend's 13-12 loss to the defending champions to post a two-tries-to-one win over the Rebels.

Andrew Smith and Robbie Coleman recorded tries for the visitors, while Cooper Vuna continued his solid scoring form with the Rebels' lone five-pointer.

Brumbies hooker Stephen Moore conceded the bonus point would have been handy, but they were still pleased to walk away with the win.

"We would have liked five points but we knew Melbourne were going to be hard they're always good at home," he told Grandstand.

Moore admitted the Brumbies' confidence took a hit as a result of the loss to the Reds in their last start.

"So it's a gutsy effort. We've had a bit of an up and down week, so four points is not so bad," he said.

Rebels captain Stirling Mortlock felt his side gave the Brumbies too much ball through handing over possession via penalties.

"Our discipline really hurt us basically the whole game," he said.

"We found it difficult to maintain pressure on them, so it's extremely disappointing."

The ACT-based Brumbies were in turmoil last season but have thrived under South Africa's 2007 World Cup-winning coach Jake White and short of a major collapse.

They are chasing their first play-offs appearance since 2004 when they won the then-Super 12 competition.

The Brumbies took a 9-0 lead courtesy of two long-range penalties from winger Jesse Mogg and one from closer to the posts by fly half Zack Holmes

Smith also crashed over after Rebels prop Jono Owen had been sin-binned by referee Keith Brown following a warning to the home side for repeated infringements.

But the Brumbies went off the boil in the final 15 minutes of the half and Rebels full-back Julian Huxley added three further penalties to the one he had slotted earlier to ensure his side were still in the match at the break.

The visitors extended their lead to 12 points after half-time when Holmes added his second penalty then converted full-back Coleman's try, but the Rebels refused to allow them to kick away.

Vuna scored straight from the kick-off following Coleman's try when the Brumbies failed to regather the re-start and the home side were again back within five points when Huxley converted from the sideline.

But Holmes added his third penalty with less than 10 minutes remaining, as the Brumbies did just enough to win the match.

Brumbies: 27 (A Smith, R Coleman tries; Z Holmes con, 3 pens; J Mogg pen)

Rebels: 19 (C Vuna try; J Huxley con, 4 pens)

Reuters/ABC

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000, canberra-2600

First posted June 01, 2012 21:40:05

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Brumbies change line-up to meet Rebels

Updated May 31, 2012 16:03:31

Brumbies coach Jake White has made three changes to his starting XV to face Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park on Friday night.

Lock Sam Carter and tighthead prop Dan Palmer have been rested, with Leon Power named to start in the second row and Ruaidhri Murphy moving into the front row at loosehead with Ben Alexander shifting to the right side of the scrum.

Robbie Coleman has been included at full-back with Jesse Mogg moving to the wing to replace Henry Speight, who has been named on the reserves bench.

Number eight Fotu Auelua and prop Scott Sio have also been included amongst the reserves, as has outstanding back row talent Colby Faingaa, who will make his first appearance for the Brumbies after recovering from an ankle injury.

The Brumbies lead the Australian conference standings on 45 points, their lead cut to five points after going down to Queensland 13-12 in Canberra last Saturday night.

Brumbies squad:

Robbie Coleman, Jesse Mogg, Andrew Smith Pat McCabe Joe Tomane Zack Holmes Nic White Ben Mowen (c) Michael Hooper Peter Kimlin Leon Power Scott Fardy Ben Alexander Stephen Moore Ruaidhri Murphy

Reserves: Anthony Hegarty, Scott Sio, Fotu Auelua, Colby Faingaa, Ian Prior, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, canberra-2600, melbourne-3000

First posted May 31, 2012 16:03:31

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Gerrard hoping to face Brumbies

Updated May 30, 2012 15:48:29

Melbourne Rebels veteran Mark Gerrard is set for a surprise return from injury to face the Brumbies in their Super Rugby match on Friday night.

It was feared Gerrard had fractured his sternum in a massive tackle in their weekend loss away to the Hurricanes but the former Wallabies utility back has put his hand up to play the Australian conference leaders at AAMI Park.

It is a relief for the Rebels with fly half Kurtley Beale (shoulder), centres Lachlan Mitchell (head) and Lloyd Johansson (finger), and flanker Michael Lipman (head) joining their hefty injury list.

"He trained yesterday and he trained well so we're very confident he'll be right to play," Rebels coach Damien Hill said.

"He really is very keen to play and he's got through all the training sessions and he's ready and raring to go."

Hill says Gerrard has taken his game to a new level this season with the arrival of players such as Beale and O'Connor sharing the leadership.

"He's using his skill set better than last year - his kicks for touch and place kicking is one of the best in competition," he said.

When the Rebels hosted the Brumbies early last season the home side was coming off a 43-0 loss to New South Wales, almost as bad as their 66-24 beating by the Hurricanes.

They broke through for their inaugural win 25-24.

Hill says it would be nice to have a similar rebound but believed the Brumbies were vastly different in 2012.

"You can't compare the two, the Brumbies outfit this year is a vastly different outfit to what they were both in personnel and performance," he said.

"They're the top of the Australian conference and rightly so and we know we're in for a tough game."

The Rebels' four Wallabies training squad members - Cadeyrn Neville, Hugh Pyle, Nick Phipps and Cooper Vuna - will rejoin the side for their final training session on Thursday.

"They all seem to have taken it in their stride ... it can be difficult for them to put their minds on a different team and different set of organisational structures but we're confident they'll be fine," Hill said.

Beale, who is hopeful of playing in the Wallabies' final June Test against Wales, is already back at training after shoulder surgery on Monday.

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted May 30, 2012 15:48:29

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Reds edge out Brumbies in cliffhanger

Updated May 26, 2012 22:37:50

A missed penalty goal attempt from Brumbies fly half Zack Holmes close to full-time saw Queensland hold on for a nailbiting 13-12 win at Canberra Stadium.

Holmes was given the opportunity to slot what would have been a winning score from 38 metres out with less than a minute on the clock, after Reds hooker Saia Faingaa was penalised for an infringement at the breakdown.

But Holmes, in just his second start at fly half, pushed his attempt wide to the left, allowing the Reds to hold on for a tight victory.

The win kept the Reds' play-offs hopes alive, as they cut back the Brumbies' lead at the top of the Australian conference to five points.

But it came at a cost with Reds captain James Horwill leaving the field with a hamstring injury during the second half.

Holmes, who was suffering from leg cramps late in the match, felt it was his responsibility to take the kick for goal.

"You want an opportunity to win the game, and it was there," he told Grandstand.

"I thought I've got to step up, I've got to kick it. Unfortunately I didn't get it and that's just part of the game really."

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie, whose side has now won three straight matches, says he had not put added pressure on the result despite its bearing on the Australian conference standings.

"We're about winning every week," he said.

"We've been trying to do that all year, we haven't done it so well early on, but we're trying to find some rhythm now and we're starting to get it."

In front of a crowd of 16,123, the Reds led 10-6 at half-time after scoring the only try of the match through full-back Luke Morahan.

Only penalties were traded after the break - two to the Brumbies and one to the Reds.

Referee Stephen Walsh arguably enjoyed the most on-field action of the opening half, delivering a whopping 11 penalties in the first 25 minutes.

The Reds landed a critical first blow, scoring the runaway try in just the third minute via Morahan, who was brought in at full-back as last-minute cover for the injured Ben Lucas.

Morahan cleared a gap in the Brumbies line deep in his own half before executing a perfect 40-metre chip-and-chase, with Mike Harris converting to give the Reds an early 7-0 lead.

Two penalties to Holmes, who shone in a key fly half battle against Quade Cooper, then brought the margin back to a point before another penalty to Harris gave the Reds the four-point advantage at the break.

The Brumbies secured a bonus point to have 45 points in total, with the Reds trailing on 40.

The Reds will earn an automatic four points with the bye next weekend, while the Brumbies travel to Melbourne to face the Rebels.

Reds: 13 (L Morahan try; M Harris con, 2 pens)

Brumbies: 12 (Z Holmes 4 pens)

AAP/ABC

Tags: rugby-union, sport, super-rugby, canberra-2600, brisbane-4000

First posted May 26, 2012 21:27:46

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Reds lose Lucas for Brumbies clash

Updated May 25, 2012 17:47:01

Queensland has lost key utility back Ben Lucas to injury on the eve of Saturday night's vital match with the Brumbies at Canberra Stadium.

Lucas sustained a groin injury in the second half of the Reds' 34-20 win over the Lions at Lang Park last weekend and was given until Friday to prove his fitness.

But Lucas was ruled out, meaning Luke Morahan will take his place at full-back and fly half Dallan Murphy earns a recall to the reserves bench.

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie predictably selected Beau Robinson at blindside flanker to work in tandem at the breakdown with fellow openside specialist Liam Gill.

The breakdown has been identified as the crucial battle ground on Saturday night with the Brumbies boasting another of Super Rugby's form openside flankers, Michael Hooper.

Robinson's inclusion as a second 'scavenger' sees Jake Schatz demoted to the Reds' 4-3 (four forwards, three backs) bench.

The Brumbies lead the Australian conference on 44 points, eight ahead of the second-placed Reds.

Reds squad: Luke Morahan, Dom Shipperley, Anthony Faingaa, Mike Harris, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Gill, Beau Robinson, James Horwill (captain), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Greg Holmes

Reserves: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Jake Schatz, Nick Frisby, Dallan Murphy, Chris F'Sautia

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, canberra-2600, act, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted May 25, 2012 17:47:01

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Brumbies make changes for Reds clash

Updated May 24, 2012 14:19:34

Brumbies coach Jake White has rested in-form number eight Fotu Auelua for Saturday night's crunch match against Queensland at Canberra Stadium.

Auelua suffered a head knock during the Brumbies' 37-25 win over the Hurricanes in Wellington last Friday night and his place in the starting XV has been taken by Peter Kimlin.

Kimlin has been named at blindside flanker with captain Ben Mowen moving back to his preferred number eight role for a match that could go a long way to determining who will win the Australian conference.

The inclusion of Kimlin gives the Brumbies added line-out presence against a Reds XV that will contain at least three primary jumpers in captain James Horwill, Rob Simmons and Scott Higginbotham.

The Reds may also play specialist openside flanker Beau Robinson in the number six jersey, meaning they would be without a secondary line-out target in Jake Schatz.

"Kimo adds a little bit more as far as experience and height at the line-out are concerned, and he's been the number one six flanker," White said in a statement.

"So Benny Mowen moves back to the back of the scrum and we will work from there."

In other changes, Nic White returns to start at half-back in place of Ian Prior as part of the Brumbies' rotation policy.

The Brumbies lead the Australian conference on 44 points, eight ahead of the second-placed Reds.

Brumbies squad: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Andrew Smith, Pat McCabe, Joe Tomane, Zack Holmes, Nic White; Ben Mowen (captain), Michael Hooper, Peter Kimlin, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, Dan Palmer, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander

Reserves: Anthony Hegarty, Ruaidhri Murphy, Leon Power, Ita Vaea, Ian Prior, Robbie Coleman, Tevita Kuridrani

Tags: rugby-union, super-rugby, sport, canberra-2600

First posted May 24, 2012 14:19:34

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Reds undaunted by Brumbies challenge

Luke Pentony

Updated May 24, 2012 18:05:37

Queensland young gun Liam Gill says the Reds are expecting a "grand final" atmosphere when they meet the Brumbies in Saturday night's crucial clash at Canberra Stadium.

The result of the match will go a long way to determining who finishes on top of the Australian conference and earns an automatic play-offs berth, with the Brumbies currently leading the standings on 44 points, eight ahead of the Reds.

The Brumbies have surprised many observers with their resurgence under new coach Jake White this season and they have won four of their past five matches since they lost to the Reds 20-13 at Lang Park in round seven.

But they will meet a Reds outfit that has hit a rich vein of form themselves, the defending champions coming off back-to-back bonus point wins over the Chiefs (42-27) and the Lions (34-20).

The Reds also have close to a full complement of players available following a horror injury run and the return of Quade Cooper has been a further boost, as they look to eat away at the Brumbies' lead on the Australian conference standings.

Gill, who has been a stand-out performer for the Reds this season at openside flanker, says he and his team-mates are more than aware of the importance of Saturday night's encounter.

"It's arguably a grand final match and I think we really look forward to a stage like that," he said.

"We're excited about the prospect of going down there and playing."

Gill, 19, has not been the only young openside flanker to turn heads this season, with the Brumbies' number seven Michael Hooper having also impressed.

The 20-year-old Hooper plays hard on the ball at the breakdown in a scavenger role like Gill, who leads the competition for the number of pilfers with 15.

Hooper is second to Gill with 10 pilfers and he has been considered fortunate to be cleared to play the Reds after being cited by SANZAR for a lifting tackle on Hurricanes back rower Victor Vito during the Brumbies' 37-25 win in Wellington last Friday night.

He was issued with an off-field yellow card that allows him to face the Reds and Gill is relishing the chance to face off against his former Australia under 20 team-mate.

"It will be another big test, I do look forward to it," he said.

"It's great that he has got the opportunity to play and I think it will give me a lot of confidence coming off the back of playing against the Braid brothers, and Richie (McCaw) and Matt Todd and hopefully it will go down well, and it will be a good contest."

Back row options

The Reds may start with two specialist openside flankers after Beau Robinson was included in a 23-man squad to travel to Canberra.

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie will finalise his matchday line-up of 22 on Friday but he hinted Robinson would be included in his starting XV at blindside flanker.

This would likely mean Jake Schatz would be dropped to the bench, but McKenzie would not regard this as a demotion.

"Whatever we pick will be a difficult selection, but we know that the guys that come off the bench will value add, so it's the performance over 80 (minutes) and you've got to get there," he said.

"It's no good being good for 70 minutes, you've got to get there over 80, so we think we've got a squad that will get the job done."

The Brumbies have not been backward in talking up the importance of Saturday night's match, highlighting the confidence they have built in putting together a 7-4 record from their 11 appearances.

This has not escaped the attention of McKenzie, who is undaunted about taking the Reds to Canberra where they have won just once in Super Rugby since 1996.

"I think we've heard a lot from the Brumbies already this week about where they're at," he said.

"But we'll go into the game very positive about our prospects and our potential about putting a lot of pressure on them.

"They're playing at home in front of their home crowd. It will probably be the biggest crowd they've had in a long time, so for us it's a good stage be at our best."

Should the Reds beat the Brumbies they will secure the Rod Macqueen Cup for the first time since its inception in 2005.

Reds squad:

Forwards - Ben Daley, Saia Faingaa, Liam Gill, Scott Higginbotham, James Hanson, Greg Holmes, James Horwill (captain), Eddie Quirk, Beau Robinson, Jake Schatz, James Slipper, Rob Simmons, Adam Wallace-Harrison

Backs - Quade Cooper, Chris F'Sautia, Anthony Faingaa, Nick Frisby, Will Genia, Mike Harris, Digby Ioane, Ben Lucas, Luke Morahan, Dom Shipperley

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, brisbane-4000

First posted May 24, 2012 12:45:11

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Finals come early for Brumbies and Reds

Updated May 21, 2012 07:40:21

The Brumbies will mount a vigorous judicial challenge to have linchpin flanker Michael Hooper available for Saturday night's high-stakes Super Rugby clash with a resurgent Queensland.

The Brumbies have engaged lawyers to help defend Hooper when he fronts a SANZAR hearing on Monday evening, desperately hoping to escape suspension for an alleged dangerous tackle.

It is no surprise the Australian conference leaders will do all they can to get the in-form number seven off the charge as the result will have a huge bearing on a match both sides are treating as a final at Canberra Stadium.

Hooper was sorely missed when he was strangely left on the bench for the Brumbies' 20-13 Good Friday loss to the Reds.

The defending champions outpointed the Brumbies at the breakdown with ball scavengers Liam Gill and Beau Robinson starting together and reaping the rewards.

Teenager Gill has been instrumental in Queensland's surge up the table to cut the Brumbies' (44) conference lead to eight points.

Hooper's potential ban would not only rob the Brumbies of a key man but also rugby fans and Test selectors of an eagerly-anticipated head-to-head battle between Australia's two rising stars.

Last year they were Australian Under-20 team-mates but now they are Super Rugby's leading pilferers and competing to be the next Wallabies open-side flanker behind David Pocock.

Despite SANZAR's intentions in stamping out lifting tackles, Brumbies skipper Ben Mowen was confident Hooper would be exonerated for his accidental effort on Hurricanes back-rower Victor Vito in Friday night's 37-25 win in Wellington.

Hooper was only penalised by referee Mark Lawrence, but cited post-match, and then on review the tackle was referred to a hearing before New Zealand judicial officer Nick Davidson QC.

While it was not deliberate, a lack of intent did not help Reds winger Digby Ioane to escape a four-match ban for a similar tip-tackle in March.

"A lot of the time it's more due to what the attacking player does, twisting and turning in the tackle," Mowen said.

"It would be great for the fans to see that competition (between Hooper and Gill). For a long time it was Pocock and then no one but now we have these two guys on the rise."

Colby Faingaa looms as Hooper's potential replacement for his first match back from an ankle injury in front of what's set to be Canberra's biggest crowd for several years.

"We've already taken the view that it's a final," Mowen said.

"While you don't want to focus too much on other sides, the reality is we can almost end their hopes of the finals or make it really hard for them.

"There's a lot at stake in respect to the conference but as much as that we want to have momentum going into the June break."

With Quade Cooper making a sparkling first-half comeback from knee surgery, Queensland (36) scored a 34-20 win over the last-placed Lions to be eighth on the table and five points out of the top six.

The Waratahs' finals hopes were extinguished in Cape Town by a 19-13 loss to the pace-setting Stormers (49), while the Melbourne Rebels leapfrogged New South Wales with a 32-31 win over the Western Force.

The Chiefs (49) lead the Kiwi conference following a bye but the Crusaders (42) snapped back into form with a 59-12 drubbing of the Blues.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, act, australia, canberra-2600

First posted May 21, 2012 07:40:21

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