If only Super 14 matches were won on individual brilliance, the ACT Brumbies might be a force this season.
Unfortunately for the struggling two-time champions, it's the side that connects the best as a team that gets the rewards in this competition.
The Brumbies fumbled their way to a second consecutive loss early yesterday morning, going down 35-17 to the Durban Sharks at Absa Stadium.
It was the second consecutive loss in South Africa for the Brumbies and leaves the team in 10th position on the ladder with 13 points, nine points outside the top four.
The Brumbies tour of the Republic has been a disaster so far, netting zero points from two games.
The Brumbies have only this weekend's match against the winless Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein to gain some consolation and some desperately needed points from the three-week trip.
Yesterday morning's loss to the Sharks again exposed the visitors' inability to finish off backline moves.
Individually, coach Andy Friend has little to worry about.
Flyhalf Christian Lealiifano had his best game of the season, as did outside centre Tyrone Smith, while Gene Fairbanks at inside centre ensured himself further selection with a solid display in his first Super rugby match in 14 months.
But it's as a cohesive unit that the Brumbies are struggling.
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