New ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar will give his players a licence to thrill in the hope a revamped attacking structure will help win a competition and bring fans back to Canberra Stadium.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Brumbies will start their season with a clash against the Japan Sunwolves in Tokyo on Saturday afternoon.
The first three weeks of the campaign loom as the most important for the Brumbies on and off the field.
They will play games against the Sunwolves, Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels on the road before returning to Canberra on March 17.
Three wins will set up their season. It could also be the spark to lure fans back to the stands.
The Brumbies have slashed ticket prices this year, but membership numbers are still hovering around 5000.
McKellar knows the Brumbies must win games to build support. But he wants them to win with a style that will excite fans.
"We've got to win and show fans that their team is playing a style that's enjoyable to be a part of, to watch," McKellar said.
"But it's all about results. You've got to win, that's what it comes down to.
"Attacking is certainly an evolution of our attack … the building blocks are there. It's going to be a work in progress.
"It's about forcing the defence to be stressed and keeping it stressed as long as possible. When the boys see an opportunity, they have to have the confidence and belief that they've got a licence to take that opportunity."
McKellar is taking the reins for the first time as a Super Rugby head coach after rising through the ranks via Brisbane, the Tuggeranong Vikings, Japan and as a Brumbies assistant.
He has built a team around him to support his vision, adding Laurie Fisher and Peter Hewat to his staff to join Dan Palmer and Peter Ryan.
Hewat, a former NSW Waratahs point-scoring ace, will take charge of the back-line duties, while Fisher is the forward-pack mentor, Palmer controls the scrum and Ryan is the defensive expert.
Fisher is back in Canberra for his third stint at the Brumbies after cutting ties with English club Gloucester.
"I wanted to get back to Australia, it was a battle being away from the wife and kids for three years," Fisher said.
"Fortuitously, I was lucky enough to get an opportunity at the Brumbies again.
"The way the Brumbies go about things, there is a pretty strong formula. Dan is a different leader to Jake White and a different leader to [Stephen Larkham].
"That's refreshing and that's the change that you need."
Australian teams lost all 26 matches against New Zealand teams last year. The Brumbies won the Australian conference and clinched a finals spot for the fifth consecutive season.
"But Australian teams are going to be stronger this year. Everyone has a bad year, 2017 wasn't great. Let's put a line in the sand and get on with it," McKellar said.
SUPER RUGBY ROUND ONE
Saturday: Japan Sunwolves v ACT Brumbies at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo, 3.15pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports.
