The Brumbies raced out for a 31-23 bonus point win over the Rebels in Canberra to record their first win of the new Super Rugby AU campaign. However, they first had to survive a late Rebels surge after they had taken a healthy 19-6 lead at the break.
FULL TIME | BRUMBIES VS REBELS
A very close contest sees the Brumbies prevail. #SuperRugby25Years #SuperRugbyAU #BRUvREB pic.twitter.com/MAwvgQrZF9
— Super Rugby/TRC (@SuperRugby) July 4, 2020
Following a good start in the Super Rugby earlier in 2020, expectation was on the Brumbies to live up to that impressive display. And as pre-tournament favourites of the new format, they came out with a game plan that was well executed in the first half.
They used their strong pack, defense and attacking proficiency to dismantle the Rebels and go to the break with a 13 point gap. Tries from winger Andy Muirhead, scrum-half Joe Powell, hooker Folau Fainga’a gave the Brumbies a massive lead.
While two converted penalties from Matt Toomua were the only points for the Rebels, Tom Wright then increased the lead shortly after the break to 24-6.
Up to this stage, the Brumbies had been dominant in most aspects of the game, but went on to lose their composure and allow the visitor back into the game to reduce an 18 point deficit.
Hooker Jordan Uelese and Captain Dane Haylett-Petty went over for the Rebels, restoring some hope for a surprise win. When Toomua converted his third penalty, the visitors were now just a point behind the hosts.
But replacement Will Miller scored from a driving maul in the 77th minute following an attacking line-out for the Brumbies to survive an exciting fightback from the Rebels.
Below are the highlights from the game.
Super Rugby AU | Brumbies v Rebels – Rd 1 Highlights
The @BrumbiesRugby made a winning start to the new Super Rugby AU season on Saturday night, surviving a second-half scare from the @MelbourneRebels to win 31-23 in Canberra.#SuperRugby #SuperRugbyAU #BRUvREB pic.twitter.com/6F7RxwwjSX
— Super Rugby/TRC (@SuperRugby) July 4, 2020
Meanwhile, the Crusaders have beaten the Highlanders 40-20 during their local version of Super Rugby at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
FULL TIME | @Highlanders 20-40 @crusadersrugby
Heartbreak for the home side.#SuperRugby25Years #SuperRugbyAotearoa #HIGvCRU pic.twitter.com/jImcqjoYqc
— Super Rugby/TRC (@SuperRugby) July 4, 2020
The Highlanders went into the halftime break leading 17-14 but the Crusaders found another gear when they needed to and scored five tries to two to come out on top.
The win sees the Crusaders move to the top of the tournament log with three victories from three.
Below are the highlights from the game.
Super Rugby Aotearoa | Highlanders v Crusaders – Rd 4 Highlights
The @crusadersrugby earned a bonus point and leapt to the top of the Super Rugby Aotearoa table in Saturday’s southern derby, storming home to beat the @Highlanders 40-20.#SuperRugby #SuperRugbyAotearoa #HIGvCRU pic.twitter.com/JJtQ4Otcac
— Super Rugby/TRC (@SuperRugby) July 4, 2020
