Brumbies struggle to win as kickers misfire against Reds - NEWS.com.au

Brumbies coach Jake White heaps praise on star recruit David Pocock following his debut for the franchise, saying the Wallabies No.7 has slotted into the team perfectly.

Queensland Reds coach Ewen McKenzie says there are plenty of positives to take out of his side's opening-round loss to the Brumbies.

Brumbies coach Jake White says he's pleased with the application shown by his side in the second half of their victory over Queensland Reds.

Two tries to fullback Jesse Mogg help the Brumbies start their Super Rugby season with a hard-fought win over Queensland Reds.

Brumbies' Christian Lealiifano missed all three of his kicks against the Reds on Saturday night. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

JAKE White is set to banish his goal-kicking coach to the bleachers after a sketchy night with the boot saw the Brumbies struggle to put away Queensland on Saturday.

In a stop-start night where penalties outnumbered linebreaks seven to one, shots at goal were crucial but the home side didn't take advantage after a very mixed night off the tee.

The Brumbies used four kickers to hit just five goals from ten shots at goal; with the normally accurate Christian Lealiifano missing all three of his kicks. Jesse Mogg, Nic White and Ian Prior all chipped in to help the Brumbies home - although it must be said they were lucky Mike Harris also had an off-night, kicking two from five.

"It is amazing how it works. We brought our kicking coach in today for the first time, and he sat next to me in the box. He probably won't be again," coach White laughed.

The Brumbies kicking coach is Damien Hill, formerly of the Newcastle Knights.

"Just having him there, he warmed them up and talked to them and maybe it's just too much info for them on match day," White continued.

"It is something we will have to look at. I am not blaming him, it was something you had to try. Having him there, talking kicking in a game situation was maybe too much for them handle. It may not be ideal. I will talk to the players."

Lealiifano and Matt Toomua were both playing their first competition games since undergoing surgery last year on ankle and knee injuries respectively.

They were solid in attack, attempting to employ a more open Brumbies strategy in 2013, but with ruck speed very slow, it wasn't the night. There were only three times in the game where seven or more phases eventuated.

Where the Brumbies midfield was strong - particularly Toomua - was in defence. An aggressive, fast line speed shut down Quade Cooper and Ben Tapuai all night.

"They have come off big surgeries - not an easy thing to come through those surgeries, and the way Christian and Pup (Toomua) played in this game speaks a lot about the way they did it, they're tough blokes," captain Ben Mowen said.

White said he was very impressed with David Pocock's first game as a Brumby after switching from the Force in the off-season, and said Clyde Rathbone's return was a special event to witness.

Returning from a three-year absence, Rathbone played his 50th cap and received standing ovations when he ran on - and when he came off late in the game as well.

"Yeah, it was fantastic. It's a Hollywood story, quote unquote. At one stage after missing all those kicks I thought we should give him a kick as well," White said.

The Brumbies meet the Rebels this week in Melbourne.