Ben Mowen’s lineout skill and excellent captaincy will lead Brumbies past Waratahs

BEN Mowen has one decisive statement to make in Australian rugby with his superior captaincy and lineout skill to lead the Brumbies to victory.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 01: Ben Mowen of the Brumbies gets tackled by Sam Wykes of the Force during the round three Super Rugby match between the Western Force and the ACT Brumbies at nib Stadium on March 1, 2014 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

BEN Mowen has one decisive statement still to make in Australian rugby because his superior captaincy and lineout skill will help spring a semi-final upset tonight in Sydney.

The blue collar Brumbies, with their gritty field position game based on kicking and defence, are my tip against the high-octane, silver spoon Waratahs with all their Wallaby attackers.

Let’s look at the key areas and why the Brumbies can sneak home by eight.

PLAYMAKERS

Brumbies No.10 Matt Toomua is an abrasive defender and strong runner.

He is a greatly improved player as is Waratahs flyhalf Bernard Foley with his running skills.

Advantage Brumbies: Toomua has a key physical edge.

X-FACTOR

Israel Folau is XX-factor and the best convert from league by the size of Wendell Sailor’s backside.

He is a genuine match-winner with 12 tries this season. The Brumbies must double team him at all times.

Brumbies winger Henry Speight has power and pace but does not work off his wing enough.

Advantage Waratahs: Izzy roams and sniffs out chances.

BIGGEST ASSET

The Brumbies have developed a greater awareness of space with a more flexible approach than the strict field position game of last year. Halfback director Nick White is the key here.

The Waratahs convert opportunities to points brilliantly. Folau is a great finisher, Adam Ashley-Cooper runs great lines and Foley creates space.

Advantage Waratahs: The more dangerous team.

WEAKNESS

The Waratahs lineout is poor. They lack a middle of the lineout jumper to match Mowen.

Advantage Brumbies: Mowen is a clever caller and the lineout is a major edge.

GAME READY

The Brumbies are more match hardened by good wins over the Force and Chiefs in knockout games.

Attacking teams like NSW rely on tempo so the Brumbies can exploit this at the start of the game.

Advantage Brumbies: Having a week off may backfire on the Waratahs early with their timing being off.

CAPTAINCY

Mowen is clever with refs. He knows when to chat and he knows when to let a decision go.

New Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper leads by example for NSW but is a poor communicator with refs.

Advantage Brumbies: Ref Jaco Peyper dislikes confrontation so the Brumbies have a clear plus here.

THE WINNER

The Brumbies’ roll-up-the-sleeves approach will establish an early lead and force the Waratahs to play catch-up.

The Brumbies will be happy to give away penalties in the NSW half to slow their momentum and force them to kick for touch where their wobbly lineout will be under pressure.

The Waratahs may have to revert to quick taps to gain momentum.

Brumbies by 8

Originally published as Ben Mowen’s lineout skill and excellent captaincy will lead Brumbies past Waratahs