The Brumbies all but secured the Australian Conference title with a big win against the Jaguares this morning.
Here’s what we learned from the 39-15 result.
Click Here: New Zealand rugby store
1. Simply the best
If there was any doubt as to who the best team in Australia is, the Brumbies eliminated it this morning.
This was a dominant performance.Yes, the Force beat the Argentinians on their home deck a fortnight ago but they did not blow them away.
This was a complete performance that will give the conference leaders enormous confidence heading into the home stretch.
2. Waratahs, Force face uphill battle
The Australian Conference ladder now makes for sombre reading for fans of these two teams.
The Brumbies are now nine points clear of the Tahs and 11 clear of the Force.
They need just one win from their remaining three matches – Rebels (H), Reds (A), Chiefs (A) to secure finals football in 2017.
3. Fleet footed backs shine
Tom Banks and Aidan Toua were superb today.
Banks notched a dazzling double but Toua looked just as threatening with ball in hand.
In an attack that has failed to trouble several teams this season, this pair playing at this level is an enormous boost.
There is no substitute for speed and these two have stacks of it.
The barometer for the Brumbies’ hopes in the finals.
4. Forwards on Wallaby watch
Allan Alaalatoa, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy and Chris Alcock were the stars up front.
Alaalatoa scrummaged well and carried with purpose, Carter made every clean out count, Fardy added his typical breakdown presence and Alcock was in everything.
Banks and Toua don’t get clear running without the work of this quartet.
5. Jaguares’ soft underbelly exposed
The Jaguares looked to be Super Rugby’s most improved team halfway through the year but they have been exposed in the last month.
They are yet to beat a top quality side and this was one of their worst performances of the year.
The Brumbies put them under pressure and they folded.
Too many missed tackles, too much drop ball and not enough go forward.