The Plus500 Brumbies fell to the NSW Waratahs in a frustrating 7-point loss at GIO Stadium on Saturday night going down 17-24 in front of 13,515 fans.
The Brumbies started the first 35 minutes of the game well and were in a good position, however a late first-half try from the Waratahs saw the Brumbies go into the changing rooms behind.
Head Coach, Dan McKellar was impressed with his sides defence throughout the second half despite their struggles to leave their end of the field.
“Leading into half time we were down 13-11 when we should have been in front and then in the second half it just felt like we couldn’t get out of our end,” McKellar commented.
“I thought our defence in the second half was outstanding, I thought our ability to put pressure on their ball was good.”
McKellar praised the Waratah’s on their contestable kicking game and their chase, with a thorough review yesterday ahead of the Reds rematch, after the disappointment of losing another Australian Conference Match.
“It is disappointing isn’t it, you have got to win your Australian Conference games and we have spoken a lot about winning our games at home,” said McKellar.
“We are back home again next week against the Reds. We were disappointed with our performance up there, we just need to be really thorough with our review and make sure we are better next week.”
Positives did come from the match however, with Wallaby Flanker David Pocock returning to the field and playing a full 80 minutes.
Alongside getting back out on the field, Pocock also enjoyed the contest that he faced playing against Waratah Michael Hooper.
“If you are starting you are wanting to play 80 [minutes] I don’t know what the plan was but as a player you always want to stay out there.” Pocock said.
“I enjoy Hoops as a player and as a bloke off the field we get on well, they got the win so I think all personal battles dissolve into insignificance depending on the result and good to be out there and test yourself against Australia’s number seven.”
The Brumbies will be back in action at GIO Stadium, Canberra next weekend in a Round 2 re-match with the Queensland Reds.
Tickets available at ticketek.com.au
Words: Etta McEwan
