What?!!
The Brumbies won a trial match!?!?!
Josh Holmes underlines potential with great display as Brumbies win trial
By David Beniuk
January 30, 2009
BRUMBIES half-back Josh Holmes gave an early indication he intends to challenge Luke Burgess for the Australian No.9 jersey in 2009 with a dominant display in a 28-14 Super 14 trial win over the Hurricanes at Canberra Stadium.
Holmes was in everything during his first half run and scored the only try of the first 40 in the 29th minute on a hot night in the national capital.
The No.9 was on the spot to crash over after 2008 revelation Tyrone Smith had made an incisive burst, Mark Gerrard's conversion giving the home side a 7-0 half-time lead.
The former Waratahs half-back also came close on two other occasions as the Brumbies began their new era under Andy Friend by dominating the territory and possession against an under strength Hurricanes side.
It wasn't all good news for the 22-year-old who was assisted off at half-time after taking a heavy knock following one of his trademark bursts.
Holmes has long been highly rated but is yet to realise his full potential, something he hoped would turn around when he switched to the Brumbies last year.
Burgess starred for the Waratahs last year but had a mixed debut international season, with his passing game coming under scrutiny.
Coach Friend made nine changes at half-time, including Holmes's replacement, ex-Western Force recruit James Stannard, and former Wallaby winger Clyde Rathbone, playing his first game for the Brumbies in nearly two years.
The Canes made 10 changes, including Cory Jane who scored his side's first try five minutes after the break to make it 7-7.
A try under the posts to Wallaby prop Ben Alexander put the Brumbies ahead again 14-7 but the visitors hit back three minutes later through Zac Guildford as the second favourites for this year's Super 14 ***le began to get the better of the Brumbies' Bs.
But the Brumbies third half-back to be used, Patrick Phibbs, sealed the win with a 76th minute five-pointer before Afusipa Taumoepeau scored out wide to make it 28-14.
Test stars Stirling Mortlock, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stephen Moore and George Smith sat out the trial.
Josh Holmes was just a disappointment last year after being touted as Gregan's replacement... I seriously hope he fulfills his potential this year, because if he plays at his best he can knockout Burgess for the Wallaby job...
And we all know the Wallabies need a halfback who can actually pass the ball... and make decisions...
