Final score: Brumbies 30, Hurricanes 23
Gutsy win for the home team with a close first half, and a scrappy second stanza. Refereeing was a bit inconsistent – particularly in the second half – with a number of decisions going to the visitors, despite the visitors committing the same infringements not minutes earlier.
Both teams had a habit of collecting players in mid-air, but particularly outrageous were some of the late hits on the Brumbies backs with the ball in the air. Momentum swung heavily in the Hurricanes favour in the late second half, but a simply superlative Brumbies defensive effort kept the visitors from scoring late, after drawing close at 23-30.
Both teams goal kickers impressed the crowd with their methodical kicking performances, converting a number of impressive sideline attempts.
The Brumbies will need to look at why their lineout fell apart in the second half, and might want to look at their discipline around rucks; committing too many offside offenses. The local boys continued to impress with their masterful scrimmaging, dominating the Hurricanes forwards all game.
Photo Gallery
Sweet photos dude 🙂