Chiefs v Brumbies

[NTA]

@Tim said in Chiefs v Brumbies:

That scoreline was quite a statement. Were the Chiefs that good, or did the Brumbies underperform?

IMHO the Brumbies had entirely the wrong game plan, and the chiefs never let them into the game

[ARHS]

Kudos to whoever was calling the moves in the backs. The way they were hitting guys coming in at speed, and then breaking tackles, was superb. They seemed to use an extra second or two in identifying targets in the defensive line and gee did it work.
Chiefs props did so much good work too and Jacobson and Finau dominated the contacts. And the backs were on fire. Great to see that level of confidence in attack.

[chimoaus]

@ARHS That move were they had CF come in off his wing as second receiver to then pass wide was class, creates that extra player in the backline. Chiefs are just very well drilled, almost as if every play is part of a larger set play, every player knowing their role and executing it, AKA Ireland. They will be very hard to beat this year if no major injuries to key players.

[antipodean]

Just watched - that was a comprehensive flogging in all aspects of the game. Well done to the Chiefs.

3, 2, 1 goes to Finau, MSR and ENS

[sparky]

Well played the Chiefs, but gee the crowd were pathetic for that one. All the atmosphere of a morgue.

[Duluth]

@Tim said in Chiefs v Brumbies:

That scoreline was quite a statement. Were the Chiefs that good, or did the Brumbies underperform?

Chiefs were good obviously but something is off with the Brumbies at the moment.

They didn't play well in the first week despite winning big on the scoreboard. For instance they are missing a lot of tackles.. they actually defended worse against the Rebels but there was a considerable difference in the oppositions ability to finish off an attack. They don't have the usual Brumbies accuracy either

Maybe they are trying a few new things? They have the Force next week, a good chance to get back in the groove. But if they struggle again maybe they just aren't that good this year?

[Windows97]

The brumbies appear to have a real problem with their tackle completion, was a very good game for the Chiefs, good to see the backline click and grow in confidence, great to see depth growing in the tight 5. All positive signs!

[nzzp]

@Duluth said in Chiefs v Brumbies:

For instance they are missing a lot of tackles.. they actually defended worse against the Rebels but there was a considerable difference in the oppositions ability to finish off an attack. They don't have the usual Brumbies accuracy either

If their defence isn't great, and they don't generate scrum penalties, they need a new gameplan. The old grinding and mauling tries is limited.

I guess that's good for rugby?

[Mr Fish]

The Brumbies also couldn't catch a cold throughout much of the match - shelling balls left, right and centre. They didn't always go forward but they killed any attempt at building momentum. Heads aren't in the game, maybe?

[Bovidae]

I couldn't see this live so only watched last night knowing the result and scoreline.

It certainly wasn't the complete performance, with three tries left out there, and some poor lineout throws from Slater. But it was a step up from the Crusaders game and a good advertisement for afternoon rugby. I wouldn't have wanted to be tackled by Jacobson and Finau in this game - ouch. The Chiefs didn't allow the Brumbies to play to their strengths. You hardly knew that Valetini was playing.

McMillan has tried to manage the minutes of the tight five across the first two games. I didn't think that MSR took his opportunity (one run aside) so would start with Ah Kuoi until Lord is back. Ah Kuoi is a better impact sub but I expect rotation amongst the locks throughout the season.

I am still surprised that Parker plays at 7 when he comes on, even from scrums. The backline will only get better when Narawa returns. If Ross is back he'll come into the 23 to play the Reds, otherwise Kaivelata will get to debut.

[Bovidae]

@cliff said in Chiefs v Brumbies:

Hopefully tupaea, narawa and Lord will be back next week

I wouldn't be rushing Tupaea back. He also had a concussion while playing for Waikato last year so be cautious. Rona provides enough cover in the midfield. Maybe at loose forward too.

[Tim]

@Duluth Yeah, after watching some of the first half, the Brumbies defence and ruck work is really off. Usually they're good as slowing down opposition ball and getting set on defence.

[pakman]

Brumbies were poor, and Reds much better in forwards. Chiefs speed of ball was express, and despite Brumbies seeking to slow it down didn't really work.
Give that backline fast ball and it's going to be a long day in the office.

[antipodean]

@Tim said in Chiefs v Brumbies:

@Duluth Yeah, after watching some of the first half, the Brumbies defence and ruck work is really off. Usually they're good as slowing down opposition ball and getting set on defence.

I wonder if the concerns over the organisation's security aren't having an unsettling influence on the players?

Or it could've just been a shit day at the office.