Rugby: Brumbies' loss jolts Super 12

By WYNNE GRAY

It takes just one decent hit. This weekend it was the Brumbies who copped the Super 12 broadside from their interstate rival Waratahs and listed badly.

The jolt spread through the competition as quickly as a Sydney bushfire. Weeks of hearing about the Brumbies' excellence was getting a bit much for their rivals. Someone had to halt their run, the only worry was that another Australian side did the damage, although the result would have drawn a smile even from a taciturn critic such as Laurie Mains.

Maybe 33,000 Sydneysiders knew something was up as they filled the Sydney Football Stadium to see the Waratahs organise a 30-25 win to maintain their unbeaten home Super 12 record against their interstate mates.

In these dark days of match- fixing allegations, anyone who just heard the result might ask cynically if Hansie had swapped codes. After all, the Brumbies had won five straight after an opening stagger against the Blues, while the Waratahs had won four and lost three.

The Brumbies were at short odds to become the first side outside New Zealand to win the Super 12 - not just the round robin section but the whole caboodle. The Waratahs were down the line somewhere.

They accepted that and under new coach Ian Kennedy took a different approach to the interstate derby. The War-atahs did the fixing.

They started with themselves. Captain Jason Little was sure a swag of video sessions would be counterproductive. The Brumbies had so many moves with subtle changes that to work on defending each scheme would leave the Waratahs flustered and stressed before they went on the park.

Out went the videos and in came the attitude. Clear minds and aggression would win the game.

Senior prop Richard Harry, back from injury, knew the drill. The young guys had been doing the business; it was now the turn of the senior pros to turn up and play.

Matt Burke, Harry, Little and Chris Whitaker did that and more. They led the Waratahs' charge, which hassled and intimidated the Brumbies so much their normal composure faltered.

The Brumbies pulled off their sets of phase play, but critical mistakes in the Waratahs' quarter, forced by tremendously fierce, flat defence, ruined the visitors' usual poise, as smashing tackles caused 11 turnovers.

Defeat has opened up the competition again. After their win in Durban, the Crusaders now lead, as the top-four shuffle continues. It also showed the way for the Hurricanes, who resume their campaign in Canberra on Friday.

The Brumbies' troubles did not end with Saturday's upset. For many they were a series favourite as long as they were not troubled with a list of injuries. On Saturday those arrived as well.

Leading lock David Giffin broke his hand and had surgery yesterday, while his partner, Justin Harrison, damaged a knee ligament. Both will miss the rest of the tournament.

Inside backs Stephen Larkham and Rod Kafer are both doubtful for the Hurricanes match because of cumulative damage. Replacements are ready, but neither Craig McMullen nor James Holbeck are of their quality.

Same problem with the locks. The versatile Owen Finegan can move in from the blindside and may have to have another loose forward, Troy Jacques, as his locking mate. But the desperate times show, with talk of shifting a Fijian, Ridike Samo, from playing Canberra club rugby on the wing to locking the Super 12 scrum.