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Form from 2007
The Brumbies have been just out of the top 4 for the last three years since their title win in 2004. They have been Australia's best performing team in Super rugby and the 3 near misses will probably put question marks over Laurie Fisher as a potential Wallabies coach. They are in very good form.
In the MARC the Vikings put together some great performances along with some pretty average performances. Certainly the Brumbies will not be looking to the MARC for confidence coming into the 2008 Super 14.
Comings and Goings
The fact that a stand in Canberra was named after them is proof that Gregan and Larkham will be sorely missed. Its pretty fair to say that together they have made the best halves pairing if not in the history of rugby than at least in the professional era. The loss of these two cannot be overstated, however, there is some compensation in newly recruited Josh Holmes. Holmes will make an excellent replacement for Gregan. The talented scrum-half wasn't u/19 player of the year for nothing and will perform some magic off the back of an awesome pack. Another cornerstone of the Brumbies, Jeremy Paul, has finally called an end to his rugby career in Australia. Paul fell by the wayside a bit during Connolly's tenure as Wallabies coach. He is replaced by ex-Stormer Huia Edmonds, who will fight Saia Faingaa for a starting berth. Perpetually-injured Daniel Heenan also leaves the Brumbies for Japan, his presence won't be missed as he has barely played of late and is also replaced by young Reds star Mitchell Chapman.
Keep an eye on
Mark Chisholm had an excellent year in 2007 and yet couldn't get a start ahead of Sharpie and Vickerman. He'll be trying to produce some pure gold to get the attention of the new national coach. Expect some barnstorming tuns in 2008. Its also worth watching out for Adam Wallace Harrison as a young talent I'm sure we'd all like lured back to Perth. Wallace-Harrison had a solid year seeing him play mostly at lock and playing some quality games for Australia A. Since Rudi Vedelago has left the Force we will be looking for options in the second row and Adam's versatility (can also play 6 and 8) definitely won't work against him.
Whoever covers fly-half will have big boots to fill. While Larkham is frequently injured his presence when fit is huge. It has probably been a blessing in disguise having Larkham out every so often because it means other options are explored and the team is better prepared to be without him. Whether Huxley, Lealiifano, Fairbanks or Toomba is used, how their selection performs and clicks into the playmaker role will make the difference between the finals and the flop heap. Good luck to whoever it is.
Prospectus in 2008
2008 sees the Brumbies with an incredibly talented pack and a backline with plenty of question marks over it. Having captain Stirling Mortlock out for half the season will definitely hurt the Brumbies and hinder a smooth transition from one generation of players to the next. In the second and back rows the Brumbies are swimming in a flood of talent with two excellent options for each position. There is no question as to whether the pack will lay a solid foundation for the backs or not. There is enough talent in the backs to use that ball to good ends but the cohesion of having any of Gregan, Larkham and Mortlock just doesn't seem to be there and depth will be a major issue. The MARC will have helped to build experience and player relationships/combinations but the Vikings didn't really do so great. I am confident the Brumbies will perform well this year and make it to the finals in 2008 in 3rd place.
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