The ACT Brumbies are still to hit their best but keep finding ways to close out games.
The 27-21 win over the Highlanders was a testament to their fight and class as they leap back into the top four.
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So what did we learn?
For all the Brumbies’ struggles, they’re 3-1 to start the season.
You don’t win titles in March but wins like this are crucial for Stephen Larkham’s side as they build into the season.
Once again, they find ways to win games even after a ‘lazy’ opening quarter in captain Ryan Lonergan’s eyes. They worked their way into the match and found some control of the game, taking their chances when they presented.
It speaks to their depth. They got great impact from their bench late as the front-row trio of Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper and Rhys Van Nek helped control the game.
Opposition teams should be worried because once this Brumbies side gets out of first gear, they’ll be a major problem as they continue to improve.
The Brumbies’ attacking shape will continue to be a work-on as they prepare for Moana Pasifika.
In the first half, there were a lot of one-out plays that relied on the speed of Corey Toole or the explosiveness of Tom Wright and Len Ikitau to create something out of nothing.
They also lacked their execution around the attacking breakdown, slowing down the ball service from Lonergan and allowing the Highlanders to fan out in defence to shut them down.
When they got that together, it clicked and delivered at the start of the second half, giving them confidence heading into the next couple of weeks
Corey Toole’s rise continues after another strong performance to stake his Wallabies claims.
Toole was limited in his opportunities but when he got one, he took it with a great burst down the sidelines to score an excellent individual try.
His chase of Sam Gilbert was also pleasing as he cleared his line and followed the playmaker to force a rushed kick.
The Sevens star has been the Brumbies' best in the opening month, with fellow winger Andy Muirhead strong even if he ended the game bloody and bruised.
In the battle of the tens, Noah Lolesio’s goal-kicking could be a real point of difference.
He was perfect from the tee, improving his record to 81% in 2024. Whilst quiet in attack, his game management towards the end was just what the Brumbies needed to close out the game.
In contrast, it cost the Highlanders, with Sam Gilbert twice hitting the posts.
The Brumbies will count the costs of their trip to Dunedin after back-to-back injuries from consecutive hit-ups.
It started when Len Ikitau struggled to his feet after his teammate landed nastily on his knee trying to clear out. The outside centre missed the home Tests with a broken scapula and tried to play on before eventually coming off.
Following this, Blake Schoupp took on the line and was left clutching his shoulder/elbow after a strong hit. Schoupp was one of the breakout stars of 2023 and was busy during a rare start for the visitors. Fortunately, they have the depth to cover when you have the likes of James Slipper and Ollie Sapsford coming off the bench to replace them
The hosts had their own issues, losing All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot inside the first ten minutes to a concussion whilst the impressive second rower Max Hicks damaged his wrist right on half-time.
