The Brumbies are hot on the heels of the Blues when it comes to successful Super 14 campaigns. Having appeared in 5 Super Rugby finals and winning two, they are never a team to be discounted. Perhaps not looking their sharpest in recent years, 2010 looks as if it could be a turn around year for the Brumbies.

Gone are the days of George Gregan and Stephen Larkham, but the Brumbies will not be short of superstar play-makers. Matt Giteau has joined back up with his former team mates, and with him,Rocky Elsom will be wearing the Brumbies strip.

These two are not the only formidable players within the Brumbies squad. With names like Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock, George Smith, Stephen Moore and so on in the squad, the Brumbies look impressive on paper.

Their biggest task in 2010 will be their their big names into a strong team. Rugby is a 15 (22), man game, and as Naas Botha always says:

“…I’d rather have 15 players who play as a team than 15 super-stars who play as individuals…”

…or something like that. You get the point though. The Brumbies, in recent seasons, haven’t achieved what they are capable of in regards with teamwork. At least not they way they used to play. This is what they are focusing on with their new “Stand As One” campaign.

Brumbies stalwart, Stirling Mortlock is approaching three massive milestones in Super Rugby this season. Namely:

• Has the opportunity to move to second place in overall Super 14 appearances.
• He is approaching the record for Super Rugby tries. (59 held by Doug Howlett. Currently on 53)
• He is approaching 1000 Super Rugby points. (Currently on 996)

Players to watch:

• Stirling Mortlock might be an old dog, but with that comes many tricks up ones’ sleeve.
• Matt Giteau is always one of the most exciting players in world rugby. Pace, feet, hands and a deadly pass = tries a plenty.
• Rocky Elsom was extremely impressive during his stint in the Northern Hemisphere and can hopefully carry on in that light. He’ll want to get over his hamstring strain first though.
• George Smith. Whether it’s going to be for his ball winning prowess, or getting caught out with the new enforcement of the tackle laws remains to be seen. I’m guessing it’ll be for the 1st though.

 This is what an old dog can do to you: [willikes]

Possible concerns:

• Too many captains within one team can complicate things. (Mortlock, Elsom, Smith, Hoiles…)
• Not managing to pull off the “Stand As One” campaign and come together as a team of 22 players.

BSR’s prediction for the Brumbies’ best possible finish: possible playoff contenders