Brumbies v Waratahs on Saturday. Is it time to dust off a shelf in the trophy cabinet? Photo: Jayzie Photography.
The Brumbies provided a statement performance in the 40 to 17 victory over the Waratahs at Canberra Stadium.
It was a demolition job in the second half as the Brumbies ran away with the game.
The victory places the Brumbies within striking distance of the top two teams, the Crusaders and the Chiefs.
The Brumbies are three points behind the two New Zealand teams; the Canberra side has three games to play while the Crusaders have four remaining.
The Brumbies’ form has prompted many to raise expectations of a potential Super Rugby premiership.
The high-flying Brumbies made a statement on Saturday. Photo: Jayzie Photography.
In sport, there is a so-called ‘window of opportunity’ in which there is a golden period where the top players are in form and the team is winning.
It is usually relatively short as the top players attract big money and opportunities elsewhere result in a rebuild for the team in the following season.
I would suggest the Brumbies are close to reaching that point with a number of key players either heading overseas or yet to sign contracts with Rugby Australia for 2026.
One of the form forwards in Australian Super Rugby, Tom Hooper, is heading to Exeter. Noah Lolesio has signed with an unnamed club in Japan. Len Ikitau will play in the UK next season before heading home for the Wallabies in 2026, but will miss the Super Rugby season.
Brumbies fly-half Noah Lolesio faces a major challenge over the next fortnight. Photo: Jayzie Photography.
Then there is the contest for the services of fullback Tom Wright.
According to reports, there has been interest from three UK premiership clubs, French team Montpellier, an unnamed Japanese club and Rugby Australia.
I would argue that Wright is the top fullback in Super Rugby and, on his day, one of the most dynamic players in world rugby.
Last Saturday night against the Waratahs, Wright ran for 180 metres and was dangerous every time he touched the ball.
By contrast, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii covered 157 metres and also looked incredibly threatening with the ball.
Wright can also be one of the most frustrating players. This year, though, in fairness, he has been far more consistent.
This comes on the back of a great spring tour in 2024 after he was overlooked for the 2023 World Cup.
Under normal circumstances, I would implore Rugby Australia to empty the bank to secure Wright, but RA’s financial plight has been well documented, and in a competitive market for top players, Rugby Australia is finishing second.
For this reason, Wright might not be with the Brumbies for the 2026 season.
So this is the season for the Brumbies! They need to capitalise on this window of opportunity.
