Maul tries. Set-move tries. Breakaway tries. Power tries. Entertaining tries. The ACT Brumbies are becoming the Super Rugby complete package and coach Dan McKellar hopes team form is rewarded with Wallabies recognition.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It's a far cry from the days of the Brumbies being criticised as one-trick ponies because of the way they used their successful rolling maul last month.
But McKellar says his players have never weighed down by critics of their game plan and praised the unsung heroes on his roster for helping clinch a finals berth.
The Brumbies will play the Queensland Reds in the last regular season game on Saturday night before turning their attention to a home final on June 21 or 22.
Their 11-point win against the NSW Waratahs on the weekend was the perfect example of how the Brumbies have broken their attacking shackles.
They broke the Waratahs line at will in the first half, scored four very different tries and powered to their longest winning streak in 12 years.
"We don't lose too much sleep about people getting into us about having a good maul ... We've worked hard on our attack for two years," McKellar said.
BRUMBIES NEWS
"We're far from perfect, but we're pleased with the direction our game is going."
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson added: "They're really clear on what they are. You can see their identity and how they're approaching their game."
World Cup spots will also go on the line in the coming weeks and the Brumbies' big-name players are starting to stand tall at the right time of the year.
But McKellar also heaped praise on others, like flanker Tom Cusack, who have gone under the radar. Cusack has stepped up in David Pocock's absence this year and has been a tireless back-row workhorse in every Brumbies win.
"He doesn't get the recognition he deserves. Other guys will string together a few good games and all of a sudden they're a potential Test player. Tom Cusack has been doing that for us for two years," McKellar said.
"If we keep playing well and performing as a team ... you'd like to think they're in [the Wallabies] selectors thoughts."
Folau Faingaa was the only injury concern out of the win against NSW, but is expected to be fit this week.
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 18
Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.
