The CA Brumbies have snatched a heart stopping 19-17 win against the Stormers at Newlands. In a game that was riddled with handling errors at crucial times, neither team looked like coming away with the win until a George Smith intercept and try under the posts with 2 minutes on the clock gave the Brumbies hope of a win.
The game was a mix of attacking play and handling mistakes which didn’t give either team any continuity. Very rarely did a team pass 7 phases when on attack. Referee Craig Joubert was laying down the law at scrum and ruck time which didn’t help the flow.
The Brumbies looked like they were going to suffer from ill discipline again after giving away penalties within kicking range. Luckily for them this week Morne Steyn wasn’t on the opposition to punish them, however Joe Pietersen was kicking well in the early stages and he and Matt Giteau traded early penalties.
The Stormers attacked well through their mauling and were unlucky to have a try denied in the corner by the TMO, who ruled that a piece of the ball had come in contact with touch in goal. Closer inspection of the replay indicates that he got it right to the relief of the Brumbies. This had come on the back of the Stormers bombing an excellent chance to score through a knock on. The game didn’t live up to any great highs although both teams were showing they were prepared to throw the ball around to produce some exciting play in the middle section of the field. The two teams went into the shed locked at 6-6.
The second half was much of the same of the first half and neither team looked like getting over the line after numerous handling errors and settled for more penalties through Pitersen and Giteau respectively. The game was poised for a draw until George Smith was in the right place to intercept a Brok Harris pass to leave the crowd speechless. The fact Smith scored under the posts was crucial in the final result and the Stormers played until the final whistle and scored a try through Pieter Louw to give Stormers kicker Joe Pietersen a chance at drawing the game. Unfortunately the conversion attempt was waved away and the Brumbies took the 4 competition points.
The Brumbies head home to Canberra with 8 points from their 3 game tour to face the Lions next Friday, meanwhile the Stormers take on the Highlanders.
Brumbies 19 – G Smith try, Giteau Con; 4 pens
Stormers 17 – P Louw try, Pietersen 4 pens
WALLABY WATCH
Put his hand up: George Smith – Produced a game winning play with an intercept and try but also contributed to vital turnovers at the ruck. Special mention to Adam Ashley-Cooper for his solid play at fullback. Caught everything kicked his way and did his job in attack.
Did himself no favours: Stirling Mortlock – Has seemed out of sorts this year in the Brumbies backline. Maybe Melbourne is on his mind?
Bolter Watch: Christian Lealiifano – Has handled the move to 12 and is establishing his combination with Matt Giteau.
