The CA Brumbies have marked Julian Huxley’s return to Super Rugby with a dramatic win over the Chiefs. It was a game where the Brumbies needed a victory before their bye next week, and they did their best to not win.
The Brumbies started the game with the obligatory out on the full from the kick off, which is becoming an all too familiar scene. It looked like it would be one of those games where things wouldn’t go right.
An early penalty to Chiefs fly half Stephen Donald was followed up by an absolute clanger by Liam Messam, who can tell you what he was thinking when he dropped the ball without a hand being laid on him in the process of scoring a try.
The Brumbies replied with a try of their own after some good work down the wing by Pat McCabe and he sent Josh Valentine over.
Shortly after, the curse of the injury struck the home team. In quick succession both Francis Fainifo and Valentine left the field within the first 15 minutes. Fainifo’s injury led to the introduction of Julian Huxley to a standing ovation from the crowd after 2 years away from the game.
Valentine’s replacement, Patrick Phibbs, made an immediate impact and a darting run from a lineout led to debutante Michael Hooper’s try and the look on his face was priceless as he celebrated with team mates. The conversion from Giteau saw the Brumbies out to a 14-3 lead.
The Chiefs rallied from this point and with 2 more penalty’s from Donald were always in reach of the Brumbies and another display of poor one on one tackling saw Brendan Leonard scoot away for a Chiefs try. Donald’s conversion saw the Chiefs back in the lead briefly before a Matt Giteau penalty on the stroke of half time saw the Brumbies in the sheds with a 1 point lead.
Before the crowd could take their seats after pies and beers, Richard Kahui swooped on a deflected kick by Stirling Mortlock and sprinted away for another try and put his side back in the lead.
The majority of the half was a battle to score points, with the Brumbies having the bulk of possession. They were unable to capitalise due to some very committed Chiefs defence, especially in their own 22 metre area.
It took until the 73rd minute for the Brumbies to draw level and the last 7 minutes were frantic and stroke of genius from Giteau saw a kick stop 1m short of the Chiefs line.
It was looking like the game would end in a deserved draw, however a Chiefs error in their 22 saw Phibbs pick up the ball and send Matt Toomua over for the match winner under the posts.
The Brumbies now have the bye and will next play the Cheetahs at home on Saturday week.
The injuries to come out of the game include Francis Fainifo with a broken leg that sees him out for around 6 weeks. Josh Valentine left the field with hamstring tightness but should return for the Cheetahs game.
Wallaby Watch
Put his hand up: Rocky Elsom – Involved in everything, as usual, and even showed his skills with a nice grubber kick.
Did himself no favors: Stirling Mortlock – As much as I hate to say, the lure of the Yen or Mexican dollars looks to be on his mind.
Bolter Watch: Michael Hooper – An excellent backup to George Smith and is nearly a clone of Smith, even down to where they grew up on Sydney’s Northern beaches.
