Heinrich Brussow the Chief Pillager

There were many positives to come out of the Cheetahs loss, and one which really struck me was Brussow. This Brumbies side is no pushover at the breakdown, in their opening game they stuffed Pocock. So it was a very good impression of Brussow's ability when he stifled key Brumbie phases of play last week. He is still the only fetcher who can disrupt the opposition whilst on the backfoot. Certainly the Bulls game highlighted the fetcher's depowered sphere of influence the week prior to this game, as the forwards totally dominated every inch of the contact area, but there remains a place for player like Brussow. He plays to the laws more accurately than Pocock and McCaw (especially McCaw!). His general play is exceptionally refined, and despite his size he boasts freakish strength, speed and endurance, but without the ugly stuff that comes with the likes of Bismarck. His ability to support his team on attack, linking well with the backs and bring a real hard edge on defence are further attributes that make him very much the most complete 6 we've have ever had. He was very much underrated in the World Cup as well. But that is very much how our best players are received by the general public. Morne, Monty, Smit, Frans to name but a few are just some of those under appreciated players. The Cheetahs can ill afford to lose him at any stage of the season. Our very survival hinges on his contributions.

 I agree with everything you said der Aristokrat except 2 things - one concerning McCaw LOL and the comment about Brussow being underrated in the RWC - actually his becoming injured and coming off allowed Pocock to win the game for the Wallabies until he met McCaw in the semis!

Pocock and company should have been pinged numerous times for hands in ruck. Dan Retief counted 5 times in the OZ 22 when this infringment took place. Oz poached our ball illegally.

We only lost because of B L. Given a fair, competent ref we were at the very least 2 points better than OZ. Its simply no use commenting on a game like that when the ref is completely bent.

Wasnt it Brussow who gave away the last penalty which cost them the game? Pretty stupid....blantantly turning the scrum. I thought they could have defended that last scrum, instead they do something stupid.

Nope, not a single Cheetah infinged in that scrum. The Brumbies engaged early and were, yet again, awarded a penalty!