Brumbies back on top after fine win over Waratahs

David Skippers
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Tom Wright of the Brumbies celebrates with team mates after scoring a try during the Round 8 Super Rugby match between the ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Saturday, August 22, 2020. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY ** STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE, NO BOOKS **

The Brumbies returned to the top of the Super Rugby AU table following a comfortable 38-11 triumph over the Waratahs at GIO Stadium on Saturday.

The first half was mired in controversy as Ryan Lonergan was offside when the ball was kicked through for the hosts’ first try. His score, combined with Andy Muirhead’s effort, allowed the Canberra outfit to go into the interval 12-11 ahead.

Rob Penney’s charges were no doubt frustrated by the earlier decision, but they responded well, keeping themselves in the contest via Jack Dempsey’s try and two Will Harrison penalties.

They were unable to get ahead, however, as the Brumbies controlled the second period and secured the win through two tries apiece from Tom Wright and Pete Samu.

It takes them to the summit, two points clear of Reds and with a game in hand, while the Tahs remain in third after a fourth defeat in the competition.

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Dan McKellar’s men suffered their first loss in an Australian derby since March 2019 by succumbing to the Rebels last time out and they were also facing a much-improved Waratahs side, who had secured successive victories over the Reds and Western Force.

It wasn’t just the wins but the manner of them as they completely dominated both 80 minutes. The performances were full of physicality and control but, despite a good first half on Saturday, the Brumbies were ultimately too strong.

The Tahs initially pressurised the opposition breakdown and had the better of both territory and possession, but they were unable to benefit. Their lineout malfunctioned and, with their first real attack, the hosts opened the scoring.

In truth, the visitors were unfortunate. Somehow the try was awarded by the officials despite Lonergan being clearly in front of Bayley Kuenzle when the fly-half stabbed the ball through.

It was a staggeringly poor decision, especially when it was checked by the television match official, and it gave the Canberra outfit a huge boost.

Although Harrison reduced the arrears from the tee, the Brumbies were beginning to find their rhythm and they extended their lead with a second try. This was not in doubt as Kuenzle spotted Muirhead in space and his cross-field kick was collected and finished by the right wing.

To the Tahs’ credit, they could have folded, but they kept their composure and, after Harrison was once again successful with a penalty, they scored their first try. Tom Horton was the instigator as his excellent off-load opened the space for Dempsey to sprint down the left and touch down.

It kept the Sydneysiders in the contest but they soon received a blow at the start of the second period when the Brumbies went over for the third time as Irae Simone’s brilliant piece of skill sent Samu clear. The number eight still had plenty to do but he did it expertly to give them some breathing space.

Nic White then came on to the field to mark his Brumbies return after five years abroad and he was immediately influential, finding Wright with a bullet pass and effectively confirming the win.

The hosts had the momentum and they were aided by a number of Waratahs mistakes. Another botched lineout allowed the men from the capital to take advantage of a disorganised defence, with Simone breaking through and giving Wright his second.

Samu then completed his brace with another superb finish, although there was a suspicion that his foot may have grazed the touchline. This was one, quite rightly, wasn’t ‘clear and obvious’ and it added to the pain for the Tahs, who were handed a heavy defeat.

 

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