Phil Kearns slams Brumbies’ style of play, but will the Super Rugby contenders have the last laugh?

THEY were the 2013 Super Rugby runners-up and could soon sit atop this year’s ladder, yet the Brumbies are the ugly stepchild of Australian rugby.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MAY 10: Nic White of the Brumbies is tackled during the round 13 Super Rugby match between the Brumbies and the Sharks at Canberra Stadium on May 10, 2014 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

THEY beat the British and Irish Lions, were the 2013 Super Rugby runners-up and could sit atop this year’s ladder by Sunday morning, yet the Brumbies are the ugly stepchild of Australian rugby.

Currently in South Africa where they will this weekend face the Cheetahs, the Brumbies have managed to distance themselves from the negative perceptions that have dominated discussions following their dour 16-9 victory over the Sharks.

The terrible conditions on hand in Canberra were always going to see kicking dominate a match which saw the Brumbies face off with former mentor Jake White for the first time.

But that hasn’t stopped the wider rugby community from condemning their approach and the potential ramifications for the local game.

“Those people who were in the crowd (last Saturday) should be going to the Brumbies and saying ‘give me my money back’,” Fox Sports rugby commentator and former Wallaby captain Phil Kearns said on Rugby HQ.

Brumbies centre Christian Lealiifano kicks a penalty against the Sharks.

“97 kicks in the game to start with, but there was never any intention to play. Sure we want you to win and that’s terrific, that’s great.

“But if you want to bring people back to Canberra Stadium, like if the Brumbies are in the final and they keep churning that out there’ll be one person sitting in the crowd.

“The commentary team will be the biggest part of the crowd if that’s what happens. We’re trying to bring people into our game.”

For the Brumbies it was another four competition points, and a victory that is sure to keep the franchise’s loyal supporter base coming back for more.

And in a statistic that defends the Brumbies’ approach, they actually average the fourth most tries per game this season at 2.7.

Sam Carter’s try was one of few highlights in the Brumbies’ win over the Sharks.

But with rugby’s already poor supporter image seemingly deteriorating by the week, it was a spectacle that certainly won’t attract any potential new fans to the game.

And with the ARU doing its best to promote running rugby, that victory surely wouldn’t have sent those considering purchasing tickets for the Wallabies’ series with France running to the phone first thing Monday morning.

But that’s not the Brumbies responsibility.

And should they believe they need to play in that same fashion again, they have every right to do so.

But they must also be prepared to take heat from the wider rugby community when that style results in little to no entertainment.

After all, they’ll surely tell us “I told you so” should they go one better and take out this year’s title.

Originally published as Phil Kearns slams Brumbies’ style of play, but will the Super Rugby contenders have the last laugh?