The Brumbies took on New Zealand opposition for the second week against a Hurricanes side they thought was stronger than the Blues last week.
With the Lions tour just around the corner, the Brumbies would be looking to put in a strong performance and consolidate their ladder position before the Wallabies contingent leave to prepare for the Lions series.
The Match
The Brumbies held on for a tough 30-23 over the Hurricanes in Canberra with the boot of Christian Lealiifano proving the difference with a personal haul of 20 points, including six penalty goals.
The Brumbies had the better of the early possession and took an early lead from a Christian Lealiifano penalty goal.
Their lead was extended to six points shortly after a penalty at the lineout where Ben Mowen was taken out in the air. Hurricanes prop Ben May copped a good talking to from referee Jaco Peyper.
The visitors didn’t take long to respond with flyhalf Beauden Barrett converting his first shot at goal.
Both sides were physical at the breakdown in conditions that suited forwards after a light sprinkling of rain just before kick off made the conditions greasy.
Each side had turnovers at the ruck with the Brumbies losing the ball on attack inside the Hurricanes 22 on at least two occasions.
They were lucky with their opening try after an error from the Hurricanes at a lineout saw Nic White dive over from close range that should surely send a message to Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.
The Hurricanes didn’t panic and scored their first try soon after to their centre Ray Leelo after exploiting the Brumbies rush defence in midfield, which appeared to be an obvious tactic for the Brumbies.
The second half started at a high tempo with the Brumbies almost on the board through Ben Mowen after he evaded the Hurricanes defence.
The TMO denied that chance and from the resulting scrum, Tevita Kuridrani should have scored but dropped the ball over the line.
They did come away with three points but couldn’t take advantage of that momentum. The Hurricanes got back in the game with two quick penalty goals to Barrett to reduce the gap to just one point at one stage.
Christian Lealiifano had brought his kicking boots to keep the Brumbies score ticking over with further penalty goals and give the Brumbies some breathing space.
It was third time lucky from the TMO when Peter Kimlin got the nod after diving over from close range from a ruck. Lealiifano’s conversion from the sideline extended the lead to 14.
The Hurricanes wouldn’t go away and kept attacking the Brumbies line with some strong runs. They were also held up over the line but from the scrum TJ Perenara scored to give the Hurricanes a sniff as they had the momentum.
The Brumbies had a mountain of defending to do in the last 10 minutes and were lucky to concede points or a yellow card.
Colby Fainga’a saved them on one occasion with a ruck turnover right on his own line as the Hurricanes threw everything at the Brumbies line.
The visitors had chances to take easy points but their captain Conrad Smith insisted on scrums in the Brumbies 22.
They looked like breaching the Brumbies line to set up an exciting finish but were cruelly denied by an obstruction call.
Photos c/o Tim Anger
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The Game Changer
Colby Fainga’a’s turnover right on the Brumbies line in the 70th minute gave his side some respite during a period where they looked to be struggling.
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The G&GR MOTM
Nic White – did everything that could be asked of him to be in contention for the Wallaby back up scrum half. His general field kicking was a feature and scored one of the Brumbies tries.
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Wallaby Watch
A solid outing from those heading to the Lions camp. Lealiifano proved he is an able backup goal kicker.
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The Details
Crowd: 11,300
Score & Scorers
[one_half last=”no”]BRUMBIES: 30
Tries: White, Kimlin
Conversions: Lealiifano
Penalties: Lealiifano 6
[one_half last=”yes”]HURRICANES: 23
Tries: Leelo, Perenara
Conversions: Barrett 2
Penalties: Barrett 3
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Cards & Citings
Nil
