Hoiles is looking to lead from the front
Hoiles is looking to lead from the front
Greg Growden Chief Rugby Correspondent | February 6, 2009
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...423403120.html
MANY new faces appeared on the Wallabies' radar last season, as part of new coach Robbie Deans's attempt to transform the landscape.
And a few prominent players disappeared - most notably No.8 Stephen Hoiles, who suffered from the demands of the previous coaching regime of John Connolly that he bulk up. This did little for his mobility and meant he was in and out of last year's Test squad.
Whether Hoiles can become a regular Wallabies back-rower again is debatable but at least he has the ideal platform by taking over the Brumbies' captaincy this season from Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock.
Hoiles's appointment is a change in Brumbies' tradition. Their previous skippers have been foundation members or seasoned veterans. Hoiles is in only his third season in Canberra, after moving from the Waratahs in 2007.
Being in charge of a successful province could prove the best way for a leader to gain prominence and find himself on Deans's top list. And ACT success is on the cards this season, with the Brumbies looking the most settled and resourceful Australian province. They have done best in recruiting, luring the Reds' Stephen Moore, who on the Wallabies' end-of-season tour of Europe confirmed himself among international rugby's best hookers.
Moore is a top-shelf signing and will give the composed Brumbies pack a big edge. It may even be enough for the Brumbies to be a Super 14 finals candidate for the first time in five years.
The depth is there, as is the experience, as they have their fair share of Wallabies, including Mortlock, Mark Chisholm, Mark Gerrard, Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Clyde Rathbone and the ageless George Smith.
There are also players with potential - none more so than Josh Holmes, who should consolidate the halfback spot this season. There are enough subtle whispers around Wallabyland to indicate that if Holmes picks up his game this season, he will find himself in the Test squad as Luke Burgess's back-up.
Over the years, the confident Holmes has received his fair share of backslaps without properly establishing himself. This season will determine whether he can progress from promising candidate to Test candidate.
A change of coach will also help. Their former coach, Laurie Fisher, at times seemed perplexed by the experimental laws, and his replacement, Andy Friend, is certain to provide a more constructive game plan to a squad that is at its best when offered new, adventurous ideas.
In the 13 years of Super rugby, the Brumbies have been the most innovative and expressive Australian side, and those traits should return this year. Friend, who had a long association with the Waratahs, will be wanting to impress, as will Hoiles. If coach and captain are in tandem, anything is possible.
THE BRUMBIES
CHRIS HICKEY SAYS A back-to-back local derby and a small road trip to Canberra. The Brumbies have recruited well with new coach Andy Friend and Test hooker Stephen Moore.
THE SQUAD
Stephen Hoiles (c), Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Betham, Mitchell Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Huia Edmonds, Francis Fainifo, Gene Fairbanks, Mark Gerrard, Ben Hand, Nic Henderson, Josh Holmes, Peter Kimlin, Christian Lealiifano, Salesi Ma'afu, Shawn Mackay, Alfie Mafi, Stephen Moore, Stirling Mortlock, Patrick Phibbs, Clyde Rathbone, Julian Salvi, Guy Shepherdson, George Smith, Tyrone Smith, James Stannard, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Sitaleki Timani, Matt Toomua, John Ulugia.
HERALD TIPS 3rd
Greg Growden
Rupert Guinness 3rd
Phil Wilkins 8th
Last year 9th
