ACT Brumbies player and Queanbeyan Whites junior Robbie Coleman. Photo: supplied.
A WEEK is a very long time in rugby.
Just seven days ago the press were hailing Waratahs new recruit Israel Folau as the Wallabies saviour, a guy who could single-handedly defeat the British and Irish Lions. But one week later, it seems his support has evaporated and Izzy is already being described as a flop.
I watched Israel play on Saturday night against the Reds, and while he's got a bit to work on in regards to positional play and reading the game, I was impressed with his rugby debut. The Sydney papers love to jump on a hero, but they can just as quickly pronounce a guy dead in the water which is a bit disappointing.
For the Brumbies there's been little to be disappointed about over the last week, with our second win in as many games over the Rebels in Melbourne and the news that club legend George Smith is back on a short term contract.
The Rebels started very fast, spreading the ball straight off the kick-off to put us directly on the back foot. With guys like Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor in their backline, we knew that was always going to be the case.
Heading into the sheds down at halftime, we didn't lose our cool and it was an impressive second half from the boys to clean up a four-try bonus point. On a sidenote, the win was an historic one for the club as we equalled the Super Rugby record for most consecutive victories away from home with six. The only other sides to achieve that are the Crusaders and the Hurricanes. If we can knock over the Sharks in Durban the record will stand alone with us, so that's something to look forward to.
There have been plenty of people asking about the value of a bye in round three, but for us it doesn't really make a difference to our preparation or momentum. We've known the makeup of the schedule since August, so there are no surprises. We'd like to think we're well prepared for the break and fresh for next Saturday against the Waratahs.
Speaking of the Tahs, it's a massive boost to know a guy like George, who has beaten NSW on plenty of occasions, will be potentially heading into battle with us. George is a quality player and a great bloke too. He was here when I was in the Academy and always had time for the younger guys.
Good bloke or not, with Clyde Rathbone, Josh Mann-Rea and now George lurking around there's genuine concern we're developing a bit of a dad's army feel around the club.
Clyde had to leave training early on Wednesday for bingo at North Canberra Bowls and earlier at lunch I noticed he's been blending his meals. He's taken to watching gardening shows on weekends rather than replays of our game and I found a bag of barley sugar in his locker, right beside a cup of water soaking his false teeth.
Bet of the week: I'm going for another NBA multi here, with the Clippers to beat the Pacers in LA and then the Bulls to get the 76's away from home in Phillie.
Robbie Coleman plays fullback with the ACT Brumbies and is a Queanbeyan Whites junior.
WIN BRUMBIES TICKETS
THE Queanbeyan Age is giving eight lucky readers the chance to catch the ACT Brumbies Super Rugby clash against arch-rivals the NSW Waratahs at Canberra Stadium on Saturday, March 9 kicking off at 7.40pm.
The Age has four double passes to the blockbuster local derby to give away and this is your chance to win.
To enter, simply email your name, address and contact number to andrew.johnston@fairfaxmedia.com.au and you will automatically be in the running. Deadlines for entries is close of business, Thursday, March 7.
Winners will be contacted by the Queanbeyan Age and will be required to pick up their tickets from The Queanbeyan Age office at 108 Monaro Street by close of business, Friday, March 8.
Entries limited to one per person.
