Jake White has taken his ACT Brumbies to the Super 15 Final against the Chiefs—their first in nine years—capping a stellar year for the coach.
Despite having the South African master coach at the helm, the Brumbies have little chance of winning in Hamilton on Saturday—but the same was true last Saturday, when the Brumbies won at Pretoria, where the Bulls were unbeaten this year, and where the Bulls had never lost a playoff match.
Earlier this year, White’s Brumbies beat the touring British and Irish Lions, who won a series against Australia.
When White arrived last year, the Brumbies has been out of form for years, despite several good coaches, including one of White’s assistants, Laurie Fisher.
Last year they could have made the playoffs, but big match nerves undid them. This year, the no-name Brumbies took the Bulls on at their own game, at their Loftus Versfeld fortress.
And prevailed.
The first team to beat the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in a playoff.
The big Bulls forwards were backed by the Springboks flyhalf Morne Steyne, whose educated boot would keep the Brumbies on the back foot. Instead, the Brumbies won the kicking duel.
Up front, the Bulls forwards would dominate the set piece, their forte. Instead, the Brumbies forwards outplayed the Bulls, the scrum in particular.
The Bulls had the match won with two minutes to play, when the ice-cool Brumbies opened the Bulls defence for centre Tevita Kuridrani to score the winning try.
For White, who was born in Bulls territory, the win was particularly emotional.
“I spoke to George Smith and he said he has never experienced anything like that in his life,” White said. “We defended and defended and the law of averages told us we were going to get out of our half and have one crack at getting the win. And then it happened.”
White said Smith was “one of the greatest” players.
Despite this remarkable victory, the Brumbies had to fly to Hamilton in New Zealand, where they meet the Chiefs on Saturday night (Aug 3). The travel from Australia to South Africa to New Zealand will be draining.
By contrast, the Chiefs were at home last week when they beat the Crusaders 20-19. The hometown crowd will add to that advantage.
The Brumbies will have to alter their defence plans, to counter the attacking brilliance of the Chiefs. In a 10-minute period they turned a 3-9 deficit against the Crusaders into a 20-9 lead.
The Chiefs played high-pressure, expansive rugby, which unsettled the usually composed Crusaders defence. They won the title last year, beating the Sharks. This year they are missing star centre Sonny Bill Williams, who is playing rugby league in Sydney.
This year the Brumbies have legendary flanker George Smith, who is on loan from club rugby in Japan. He was man of the match against the Bulls.
At 33, he will be a point of focus for the travel burden. His ability to contest the ball may be lessoned, which would be a major loss for the Brumbies.
Two weeks ago, the Brumbies were outsiders to make the Final. Now, they would be favoured by many, though even they would fear the impact of the travel.
The Brumbies success has added to the optimism in Australia, brought about by the appointment of new national coach Ewen McKenzie.
The game serves as a “final trial” for national selection in the All Blacks and the Wallabies.
At flyhalf, for example, both players are on the fringe of the Test sides. So good games in the Final will enhance their international prospects.
The Chiefs Aaron Cruden is an All Black regular—but behind Dan Carter.
Matt Toomua is breaking into the Wallabies, but has a conservative style that suits international rugby.
As the flyhalf dictates play, the attention will be on both players. Having said that, as one mistake could cost the title, the attention will be on every player.
The Brumbies have proved they could win the Final. But at home the rested Chiefs should win.
Peter Lalanabaravi is a rugby writer with over 30 years experience.
