From Taranaki tyro to Mr Indispensable
Mitchell Brown reckons he’s the shortest lock going round in Super Rugby. But he’s hardly concerned if it means he’s on the park for the biggest game of his life.
The 23-year-old versatile forward has quickly gone from Taranaki tyro to Mr Indispensable for the Chiefs this season. Primarily a blindside flanker or No 8, he’s now been thrust into starting second row duties, such is the want from the coaches to have him on the park.
Up until the round 11 Reds game in New Plymouth, Brown had started just two matches this year - and one of those lasted just five minutes due to concussion - after coming into the squad as an injury replacement last season, which saw him debut against Wales, then come off the bench for two Super caps.
But since that fixture on his home turf of Yarrow Stadium, Brown had begun to make the No 6 jersey his own, such was his indus- trious work around the track. He had forced veteran Liam Messam into a backseat. However, now, things have taken on more of a twist.
Brown, who stands 1.94m, was put to lock for the final round game against the Brumbies when regular pairing Brodie Retallick and Dominic Bird were rested. Then, despite the top class second rowers back in the fray for the quarterfinal against the Stormers in Cape Town last weekend, it was the youngster who was plumped for ahead of Bird, who was instead relegated to a bench role.
The Chiefs had found their way to keep Messam and Michael Leitch in the pack, while not having to go without Brown, who had just become too valuable to leave out. He offers the team some added mobility, while his defensive work is quality - his tackling rate of 93 per cent matching that of Retallick.
Now he is set for the biggest game of his flourishing career to date, in the semifinal against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday night. Of last weekend’s starting XV only he and winger Solomon Alaimalo haven’t played international footy.
‘‘Obviously the ITM Cup finals in 2014 were a pretty big matchup as well, but this will be another level - Super Rugby - so just really looking forward to it,’’ said Brown, who in May re-signed with the Chiefs till 2019.
Lining up in what looked to be the side’s starting forward pack at Wednesday’s training, it looks like Brown will again be in the run-on side at lock. He said that having got consistent game time had definitely helped his development this year, and is enjoying his new spot in the second row, having played six most of his career but having even dabbled in the backs a bit when growing up.
‘‘I’ve got a few more roles at lineout time, although Brodie didn’t call any to me last week, actually, which was quite disappointing,’’ Brown quipped.
‘‘Nothing really has to change too much in terms of my role. I just have to do a bit more pushing at scrum time, but everything else is pretty similar, try and play the same game as I am when I’m playing six, so we have four loosies operating.
‘‘We’ve got the big ball carriers and then the grafters in there as well, so I think it’s just been a good mix.’’
Having come away on the right side against Springboks locking duo Eben Etzebeth and PieterSteph du Toit, it’s now three All Blacks second rowers in Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett and Luke Romano, which feature in a Crusaders pack which is in ominous touch.
‘‘We know what we’re heading into, but likewise we’ve been sending some good statements throughout the year, and we’ve got a bloody good tight five, so we’re looking forward to doing a good job against them,’’ Brown said.