Brumbies down Sharks to get season back on track

THE under-performing Brumbies got their season back on track with a 24-17 win over the Sharks in their Super Rugby clash in Canberra on Saturday.

After starting the season with a win over the Sunwolves in Japan, the Brumbies then suffered two demoralising losses to Australian rivals the Reds and the Rebels.

But in their first home game of the season, the Brumbies dug deep in defence to hold off a late surge from the Sharks.

With both teams scoring two tries apiece, flyhalf Wharenui Hawera’s four penalties – two of them from beyond 50m – proved the difference.

The home side opened strongly and were well on top in the first 20 minutes, enjoying most of the possession and nearly all of the territory.

They took an early lead with a Hawera penalty and a converted try to winger Lausii Taliauli.

The Sharks eventually began to get into the contest and were rewarded with a Robert du Preez penalty, but despite the Brumbies being reduced to 14 men when Lachie McCaffrey was shown a yellow card, the visitors could not take advantage and the Brumbies led 10-3 at the break.

McCaffrey made amends soon after the restart when he set up Wallabies winger Henry Speight to put the Brumbies out to a 15-3 lead.

The Sharks came storming back when prop Thomas du Toit crashed over and Du Preez converted to get back to within five points. Three Hawera penalties appeared to make the game safe for the Brumbies, but Sharks fullback Curwin Bosch showed some electrifying pace to score in the corner with four minutes to go.

Du Preez converted and suddenly the visitors had a chance to get an unlikely draw.

But some desperate Brumbies defence in the closing stages ensured the home side held on for the win.

“Tonight was a good match to win – the Sharks are a quality side and in good form too so it’s nice to get a win at home,” Brumbies captain Christian Leali’ifano said.

“[Hawera] was excellent tonight and confident the whole way through. He played an outstanding game.” – AFP