Joe Schmidt faces significant challenges with the Brumbies’ struggling tight five, which he cannot rely on for his Wallabies’ campaign. Recent developments in Australian rugby have been bleak, exemplified by Carter Gordon’s departure to the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL. Despite potential growth under Schmidt, Gordon’s premature exposure at the World Cup and his club’s decline led him to seek stability elsewhere. His shift underscores the instability in Australian rugby, reflecting a broader issue.
Gordon’s exit, framed as a professional transition, highlighted the lack of support and mentorship he received. If experienced players like Quade Cooper had been present, the outcome might have been different. Concurrently, the Brumbies’ loss to the Blues in the Super Rugby Pacific semi-final exposed their frailties, especially in the tight five, raising concerns for Schmidt ahead of the upcoming series against Wales.
The Brumbies’ tight five, previously a Wallaby cornerstone, is now a liability. Veterans like James Slipper and Caderyn Neville are nearing the end of their careers, while promising young talents like Nick Frost lag behind in selection. The scrum, once a stronghold, has become a significant weakness. The Brumbies rank poorly in scrum penalties and ball retention, indicating systemic issues that key players acknowledge but seem unable to rectify.
Allan Alaalatoa’s post-match comments after conceding multiple scrum penalties highlight this frustration. Despite the pride traditionally associated with the Brumbies’ set piece, recent performances have fallen short. Slipper and Neville’s presence hasn’t improved outcomes, and players like Billy Pollard’s optimism about reserve loose-head Blake Schoupp has yet to translate into tangible improvements.
Before crucial matches, there was misplaced hope in minor adjustments and technical fixes. Even though these adjustments were clear to the front row, the promised improvements did not materialize. This reliance on hopeful rhetoric rather than concrete solutions is unusual for the Brumbies and points to deeper problems that Schmidt must address.
Matt Toomua, on The Roar Rugby Podcast, offered a candid assessment, suggesting that the Brumbies’ focus on open-field play has detracted from their set-piece efficiency. He noted the particular challenge of maintaining scrum integrity in challenging conditions, like those in Auckland, underscoring the unpredictability the Brumbies now face.
Toomua’s cautious optimism about the Wallabies’ tight five stepping up in crucial moments captures the prevailing uncertainty. Where there was once confidence in the Brumbies’ work-rate and set-piece reliability, there is now doubt. The left side of the scrum, even with seasoned props like Slipper and Alaalatoa, has shown persistent vulnerability.
For Schmidt, these issues with the Brumbies’ tight five are a significant concern as he prepares the Wallabies for upcoming challenges. The instability and lack of reliable performance from this group could undermine the team’s efforts, requiring urgent and effective solutions to restore confidence and performance in this crucial area.
