Former Wallabies Matt Burke and Morgan Turinui believe the championship window is still open for the ACT Brumbies in Super Rugby Pacific, even though the serial semi-finalists have farewelled some key players.
After a third-placed finish on the ladder, the Brumbies have crashed out one week before the big dance for the fourth season in a row, as they were defeated by Daman McKenzie’s Chiefs 37-17 in Hamilton on Saturday evening.
McKenzie stole the show with attacking flair around the park and goal-kicking brilliance off the tee. It was a two-point game early in the second term, but McKenzie led the way as the Chiefs scored 18 unanswered points to secure their spot in yet another grand final.
Wallabies fly-half Noah Lolesio and utility forward Tom Hooper have both left the club to pursue other opportunities, while centre Len Ikitau will spend a season with Exeter Chiefs in England’s Premiership as part of a sabbatical with Rugby Australia.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported earlier this month that backrower Rob Valetini was also “strongly considering” taking up a sabbatical in France. While the Brumbies will look a bit different next season, Burke’s confident others will step up.
“The window is now, yes. They had a shot at it,” Burke said on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts.
“The way their structure is down in Brumby land… they’re able to slot people in and out, that’s why we saw [Jack] Debreczeni do so well on the weekend. He steps into [Noah] Lolesio’s role and creates and directs.
“Yes, they’ll be missed, they’re world-class players and a lot of those guys will be involved in the Wallabies, but they have this structure that I reckon people step into. I reckon they’ll still be okay.”
Both The Roar and SMH have reported that NSW Waratahs playmaker Tane Edmed will make the move to the capital for next season, with the one-Test Wallaby set to compete with Declan Meredith for the starting job at the Brumbies.
Match Summary 
The Brumbies have also unearthed one of the most improved players in Australian rugby, with Tuaina Taii Tualima enjoyed a career-best season in Super Rugby Pacific. After stints with the Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels, Taii Tualima has found a home in the capital.
Taii Tualima started eight of 10 appearances at No. 8 for the Brumbies this season, which saw the backrower cross for a try against the Reds in round nine. Coach Stephen Larkham included the 28-year-old in the run-on side in both the qualifying and semi-final.
As Turinui explained, that could benefit the national team as well.
“They’ll finish top four next year. They’ll still be there,” Turinui added.
“They like [Declan] Meredith… maybe you can unleash [Rory] Scott and [Luke] Reimer a bit more. They’ve got options there.
“I tell you who was outstanding, Tualima, and eligible [for Wallabies] now. RA saying he’s now eligible for Wallabies selection.”
