Super Rugby Pacific: Five takeaways from Reds v Brumbies including Rob Valetini continuing with his excellent form

David Skippers
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Following the Brumbies’ 52-24 triumph over the Reds in Brisbane on Friday, Planet Rugby picks out five takeaways from the action.

Wallabies rejects respond in style

New Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones named his first squad for a training camp on the Gold Coast later this month, and there were some big names omitted from the group.

Amongst those were Reds co-captain and scrum-half Tate McDermott and young Brumbies fly-half Noah Lolesio, who were both highly motivated to show Jones that it was a mistake to exclude them.

The duo showed their class with fine performances, with McDermott catching the eye with an excellent try in which he beat four defenders on a 50-metre run before crossing the whitewash. He also delivered a crisp service to his outside backs and kept the Brumbies on their toes with some sniping line breaks.

Meanwhile, Lolesio’s role in the Brumbies’ victory should not be underestimated as he made his mark with a fine all-round display. The 23-year-old’s game management and playmaking skills were of a high standard throughout, while his goalkicking was also superb, and he was rewarded with a 15-point haul courtesy of six conversions and a penalty.

Rob Valetini continues his excellent form

One player who was called up to the Wallabies squad is Brumbies hardman Valetini, who has played well on a consistent basis for the men from Canberra for some time now, and he was at the forefront of their onslaught in Brisbane.

Valetini came to the fore with an outstanding all-round showing in which he displayed great physicality throughout as a ball carrier and on defence, and his opponents struggled to keep him in check.

The 24-year-old was a menace on attack as he gained 38 metres from 12 carries but also gave his all on defence as he made nine tackles. Based on his performance in this match, Valetini will be one of the first names on Jones’ teamsheet for the Wallabies later this year.

Brain fade moment from Angus Blyth

What was he thinking? That was the question on just about everybody’s lips after the Reds second-row’s illegal tackle on Brumbies wing Corey Toole during the early stages of this match in Brisbane.

It was a head-high hit with no attempt to wrap his arms while making the tackle, and how referee Ben O’Keeffe came to the conclusion that it was just a yellow card offence only he will know.

The incident was reviewed, and Blyth was red carded – which meant the Reds would play with 14 men for the next 20 minutes due to Super Rugby Pacific guidelines – but Toole was forced off the field for an HIA, which he failed.

Ultimately, Blyth’s moment of madness did not have an effect on the bigger scheme of things as the Reds were still competitive during his time off the field, but he should spend several weeks on the sidelines due to suspension as an incident like that does not belong in the game.

Brumbies back to their best

Although Stephen Larkham has come in to take over the coaching reins from Dan McKellar – who is set to take charge of Leicester Tigers next season – Brumbies fans will be happy with the transition, which has been a smooth one.

The Canberra-based outfit have lost just once so far this season – to the Crusaders in Round Five – but they have put that setback behind them and showed against the Reds that they are back to their best.

Larkham’s charges were full value for their win as they combined a brilliant attacking display with a solid defensive effort, and outscoring a team like the Reds by seven tries to three on their home turf is no mean feat.

The Brumbies’ victory means they are just one point adrift of the table-topping Chiefs – who have played one match less – and they will be brimming with confidence ahead of next weekend’s clash with the Fijian Drua in Canberra.

Worrying signs for the Reds

The Reds and Brumbies have been Australia’s leading sides in recent years, but based on their performance in this fixture, the gap is widening between these teams, and the home side’s head coach Brad Thorn has plenty of homework to do.

Discipline – or a lack thereof – is a major concern while their error rate was too high for a team who are hoping to challenge for Super Rugby Pacific honours, and it’s not surprising that they are languishing near the bottom of the table.

The men from Brisbane averaged 13 penalties per game ahead of this match which is quite high and an indication of their struggles so far this season, and it was more of the same in this clash as they conceded 15 penalties against the Brumbies.

The Reds were particularly poor on defence – especially when they were pinned close to their try-line as several players were blown up for straying offside when trying to make a tackle, and that is a facet of play which will be a big concern for Thorn and his defence coach Phil Blake.

READ MORE: WATCH: Tate McDermott sends a clear message to Eddie Jones, scoring a blinder in defeat to the Brumbies

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