At the end of the day it comes down to the Stormers being switched on and ready to play while we’d clearly clocked off.

It was a disappointing way to end our South African tour, particularly as we started so positively in Durban.

Now it’s time to move on and focus on taking on the Bulls in Canberra for the first time since 2010.   

While on tour, there are always stories that emerge which fit into the Brumbies folk law for generations of players to recollect long after we’ve retired and our recent trip to Africa was no different.

The best effort probably came from the team’s new Assistant Manager Ray Reavley who was enjoying his first official tour of South Africa with the Brumbies.

It’s Ray’s job to make sure our shorts are ironed, the water bottles are full and most importantly that our jerseys fit. 

But it seems Ray may have misjudged the size of our Samoan giant Fotu Auelua’s frame and only brought along a large, No.8 jersey for him to squeeze into. For any mere mortal, that would probably do.

The problem is Fots is a hefty 2XL making the large look like he had entered a body painting competition. 

Fotu tried the jersey on in the comfort of the team room but when he lost feeling in his arms and legs it became apparent he’d need an alternative for game day.

Plenty has also been made of Sam Carter’s lucky undies and the big fella made a decision the night before we left for South Africa that they were the only pair he’d need.

We don’t think Sam consulted his undies when he decided to anoint them as lucky. Anything wrapped around that big backside for two weeks straight could only be described as unlucky in my experience. 

Tip of the week:

The AFL is up and running and I’m tipping the Suns to get off to a better start this season with a first up win over St Kilda on the Gold Coast, into Carlton demolishing the Tigers.

Robbie Coleman plays fullback for the ACT Brumbies and is a Queanbeyan Whites junior. 

Robbie Coleman plays fullback for the ACT Brumbies and is a Queanbeyan Whites junior.