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The Brumbies rookie Larkham can 'definitely' see in a Wallabies jersey
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham says he can “definitely” see Corey Toole in a Wallabies jersey after the emerging winger produced a stunning display to help his side beat the Highlanders 48-32 in Canberra.
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The lightning-quick 23-year-old scored twice, including a brilliant solo chip-and-chase that restored the lead and snuffed the visitors’ challenge 15 minutes from time.
Nine lead changes meant neither side ever truly controlled the encounter at GIO Stadium, but the Brumbies dug deep to protect their perfect home record this Super Rugby Pacific season and move back to second place.
Larkham was gushing in his praise of rugby sevens convert Toole, who produced a dynamite first half that flashed his electric pace in a number of game-changing moments to once again press his Wallaby claims.
“I love watching him. I don’t think I’m unlike anyone else; I’m a huge fan,” he said.
SUPERSONIC ??
Just your standard Corey Toole moment here ?#SuperRugbyPacific #BRUvHIG pic.twitter.com/1u7vtqh9ou
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) May 14, 2023
“And I just love the fact when he’s got a bit of space in front of him, he ju st lights up and it’s amazing to have a player like that, he gives you so much confidence on the field.
“I obviously had a couple of players out on the wing that were quick. It gives you confidence knowing you can throw the ball out there and that guy is going to go on and score a try from 80 metres.”
The win was somewhat soured by a sternum injury to Wallabies halfback Nic White, who left the game in the first half.
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Larkham confirmed White would miss next weekend’s trip to the Western Force, but was optimistic he had avoided a fracture and would be on the shelf for only around two weeks.
The hosts once again engaged in a wild first half reminiscent of recent home wins against NSW and Fijian Drua, but their backs were firmly to the wall when Folau Fakatava put the Highlanders six points clear on 62 minutes with ACT flanker Luke Reimer in the sin bin.
The ACT rose to the challenge with a 12-0 scoreline while a man down to gain the ascendancy, which Larkh am labelled the most pleasing aspect of the win.
< p>But he admitted defensive lapses which leave the door open for opponents were an ongoing concern.
“We’re a really exciting team to watch in attack. Really happy with the way we had the ability to score tries when we needed to,” he said.
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“But we’ve got to have a look at our defence and work out what our issues are there. One thing that was spoken about in the sheds is tackle completion wasn’t where it needed to be again.
“We’ve seen that now against a couple of NZ teams – Crusaders, Hurricanes and (Highlanders).”
The Highlanders scored three first-half tries, answered by a powerful effort from ACT outside centre Len Ikitau and flanker Jahrome Brown in a first half that included six lead changes.
Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody said it was an improved performance over his side’s past month but errors gave their opponents an easier path to victory.
“We knew if we gave the Brumbies opportunities in our 22, they’re probably one of the best in the com petition around executing,” he said.
“Discipline errors around halfway allowed easy entries. They didn’t have to really work to get in there.
“They are awesome around the contact area, around the breakdown and double-shoulder collisions. They’re obviously a quality team.”
Comments on RugbyPass
that backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
24 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
48 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
24 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
24 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
24 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
24 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
24 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
17 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
17 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
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