'You will see a different style': Nic White promises a fresh Brumbies style for Super Rugby

Super Rugby trials are not always the best indicator of form, with players returning from the preseason with rust in the legs, teams experimenting with combinations and extended squads players all getting a chance to impress. 

The Waratahs received a huge confidence boost by beating the Brumbies 24-14 in Bowral in the first trial of the year, but Brumbies scrumhalf Nic White believes he saw enough from his side to expect great things for their season ahead.

With the majority of the side’s Wallabies not in action in Bowral, it was a test of squad depth, and there were a number of players who took the opportunity to push their case for a starting spot. 

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“We still got a lot out of it, the guys worked really hard. There was a number of guys who wore the Brumbies jersey for the first time, which was special. 

“There’s guys that have been working hard in preseason for a number of months now to get that crack [at a chance to play] and we will review that.”

Hooker Billy Pollard, lock Tom Hooper and backrowers Luke Reimer and Titi Nofoagatatoa all impressed when they were called upon despite the rainy conditions in Bowral preventing the game from truly opening up. Jahrome Brown’s stocks continue to rise after starring in the number eight position in the absence of Wallaby Pete Samu. 

As new players to the Brumbies, lock Ed Kennedy made his presence known in the forwards, while Ollie Sapsford put in an assured performance at inside centre with some strong carries and solid defence. 

Off-season recruit Jesse Mogg returned to the side via the bench and look right at home at fullback. It sets up an intriguing battle with Wallabies star Tom Banks for the number fifteen jersey. 

The Brumbies season kicks off at home for round one, as a result of the Force having to swap their opening home game fixtures because of ongoing border restrictions in Western Australia. It’s an unexpected bonus for the Brumbies, who now have a run of home games to start the season, and Nic White hopes the fans will come out to fill GIO Stadium. 

“It’s going to be awesome. It’s going to be a great opportunity to set up our season. Round one at home, and we have the first three games at home. That’s a good chance to get people out to the games when the weather is good, it can get pretty cold later on in the year.”

“We will be looking to throw the ball around in the good conditions. We love playing footy at this time of the year. 

“Three games at home in front of our crowd, a good chance to go three wins on the trot, get the runs on the board and put ourselves up quite high on the table. We’re a little bit lucky, but we will take that.”

Brumbies fans will be glad to see two afternoon games on the fixture list to start the season, and White said the team will be ‘licking their licks’ at an opportunity to entertain the home crowd.

“You will see a different style, there will be more running rugby. The skills will be out on show.”