The Brumbies won the inaugural Super Rugby AU title, beating the Reds 28-23 in Canberra. The Brumbies outscored the Queenslanders three tries to two to win the domestic contest and claim their first major title since 2004.
?? Proud to be Australian CHAMPIONS, with a Brumby on our chest! pic.twitter.com/kjlzW69jVN
— Plus500 Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) September 19, 2020
The Brumbies, who had excelled all season long, were the form side of the Australian conference and at home in the final of Australia’s Super Rugby AU. They took the fight to the Reds.
Folau Fainga’a crashed over for the opening try to set the Brumbies upon their way at their home ground in Canberra. Winger Andrew Muirhead got the Brumbies their second try, with some nimble handling and footwork against a Reds defence at sixes and sevens.
On the backfoot for most of the half, the Reds got going through a piercing run from Jordan Petaia and an offload to number eight Harry Wilson, which saw the Queenslanders back into the contest. James O’Connor was potent with the boot and integral to the Reds finishing the half just two points off the Brumbies at the break.
Into the second half and the ACT side was relentless in their pursuit of another try, fullback Tom Banks broke through the Red wall for a third five pointer. Flyhalf, Noah Lolesio added a drop goal for good measure. The Brumbies were all too aware to bank any points that came their way; it was a final after all.
The Reds were also taking their chances; they made it a five point game with a converted try, proud Queenslander Angus Blyth got the try, and with his teams name carved into his hair. It was just reward for a never give in spirit.
With their first major title in their sights since their heyday of winning the Super Rugby title in 2001 and 2004, the Brumbies shut up shop and shored up their defence, winning 28-23 to claim the Super Rugby AU title, and underline their credentials as the premier Australian Super Rugby team, with domestic honours to cap off the 2020 season.
