Laurie Fisher

The CA Brumbies have completed their 2008 Investec Super 14 season in ninth place. Brumby Jack caught up with CA Brumbies Head Coach Laurie Fisher to get his thoughts on the CA Brumbies’ season and his thoughts on the finals series.

Brumby Jack: What positives do the side takes out of 2008?
Laurie Fisher: We improved our try-scoring potential, from 33 tries to 36.Our time in possession, our ball control, our capacity to control the game improved dramatically to previous years. We had nine players play their first Super 14 starting game with us in 2008 so that base of experience has been widened for the future which is of significant benefit.
 
BJ: What sort of legacy would you like to leave the CA Brumbies?
LF: You want to leave the place in good spirits where guys are committed to each other, committed to self-improvement, committed to doing well for their team mates and the organisation, and I think we’re in that position.

BJ: What’s been your highlight during your time with the CA Brumbies?
LF: Just being involved with rugby at the professional level is a highlight. There’ve been plenty of good performances but I think just the involvement in a quality organisation with quality people. I think it’s just the day-to-day stuff which is exciting.

BJ: How much of an effect did the loss of Gregan, Larkham and Paul have on the side?
LF: The loss of three experienced players had an effect but I did some stats on what would be considered sides’ starting backlines for this year. Our starting 10 to 15 played 34 per cent of games and all the sides above us, their starting 10 to 15 played at least 69 per cent. So not only did we lose three quality players but our starting backline played 34 per cent of the time and I think that in itself paints a fairly significant picture.

BJ: What’s your tip for the finals series?
LF: I think it will be a Crusaders-Waratahs final. There have been some cracks in the Crusaders’ armoury over the past few weeks and they’ve missed a lot of tackles. The Waratahs play a semi-final-style football and they’ve played it from day one – a good lineout, reasonable kicking game and the best defence in the competition. I back a Crusaders-Waratahs final and I can see the Waratahs winning it.