Patrick Phibbs
Patrick Phibbs has been awarded the starting scrumhalf’s role for the CA Brumbies’ first Investec Super 14 match of 2009 against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday night. Phibbs started off the bench in each of the CA Brumbies’ pre-season matches, giving the side great direction and setting up a number of tries during his time on the field. Brumby Jack caught up with Phibbsy ahead of his side’s clash at ‘the House of Pain’.
Brumby Jack: How does it feel to get the starting scrumhalf’s position for the CA Brumbies’ first match against the Highlanders this Friday?
Patrick Phibbs: It’s very pleasing to know that all the hard work through the pre-season is paying off. It’s good to know the coaching staff has the confidence in me to pick me because both Josh [Holmes] and James [Stannard] are playing some good football, but I’m very happy to be given the nod for Friday.
BJ: How fierce was that competition for the position?
PP: It’s been very, very tough. They’re both really good players have their individual talents. We were told it would come down to the trials and I was lucky to make the most of my opportunities and it’s been enough. In saying that, I have to continue on, push my standards higher and play better football than before.
BJ: Is it harder getting the ‘9’ jumper or is it going to be harder keeping it?
PP: I’d say it’ll be harder keeping it. The Super 14 is a very physically taxing competition and Josh and James will be breathing down my neck the whole time. I’ve got to continue finding good form and improving on it.
BJ: You match up against Jimmy Cowan on Friday, what are you expecting from him?
PP: Jimmy’s a world-class player, who played for the All Blacks last year and has taken on the captaincy role [with the Highlanders]. He’s their leader out there, he’s a good ball player, he’s got a good running game and a good kicking game so he’s almost the complete halfback. We’ll look to put some pressure on him but it’s great competition for me to see where I’m at personally.
BJ: The Highlanders are always particularly tough at Carisbrook, what are you expecting from them on Friday night?
PP: Getting the Highlanders first up in Dunedin is a big ask and they certainly won’t be an easy feat. They always play for the full 80 minutes as we saw two years ago when we had to play out the full game to get the win. We expect them to be fired up and, being the first game, we don’t know too much about each other but we’re confident in our pre-season and our structures and we’d like to think we can come away with the win.
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