The Brumbies have held on in a 16-12 thriller over the Queensland Reds in Canberra
The hosts got out to a perfect start through Tom Banks, however, a fightback late from the Reds had memories of the 2021 Super Rugby AU Final flooding back.
In the end, Dan McKellar's men found a way to repel a 79th minute attack to secure the win and top spot on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.
Hunter Paisami set the tempo earlier as he smashed Brumbies flyhalf Noah Lolesio in the opening minutes, with Nic White description of a ‘test like’ pace fitting as both sides threw everything at each other.
Lolesio added first points minutes later after Fraser McReight was pinged for a high tackle, eventually forced off early in the second half with an ankle injury.
However, his opposite number struck back as James O’Connor stepped past the defence to dive over under the points.
With the Reds enjoying a rare early lead over the Brumbies, the hosts made sure it was only short-lived four minutes later.
After another strong rolling maul, Irae Simone took full advantage of space behind the defensive line, putting through a deft grubber for Tom Wright, extending his lead on top of the try-scorers list.
As Brad Thorn’s men hunted for a way back into the contest after the break, the Brumbies’ backs stood up with Nic White and Andy Muirhead causing the turnovers at the ruck.
Jahrome Brown looked to have scored in the corner, however, a brilliant cover tackle from James O’Connor put the inspirational flanker into touch.
The Reds were given a major boost when Darcy Swain was sent for ten after two penalties on his line within a 15-phase period of attack for the visitors.
This resulted in points two minutes later when Josh Nasser dives over in the corner, reducing the margin to a point.
As both sides looked to close out the game, multiple opportunities for points went begging as they just couldn’t find the right options.
Ryan Lonergan proved a major spark for the hosts, providing much-needed energy whilst slotting a penalty to give the Brumbies a 16-12 lead, the exact same scoreline as the Final before O’Connor’s heroics.
The Reds looked set to pull off another thrilling victory when Fraser McReight toed through a loose ball, only for Rod Iona to win the race after a suspect tug on the Reds skipper's jersey.
One final attack from the 5 metre scrum was thwarted after a Paisami dropped ball, allowing the Brumbies to dispel the demons of 2021 and secure the hard-fought victory.
The win ensures the Brumbies are the last remaining undefeated team in Super Rugby Pacific, extending their lead at the top to four points.
BRUMBIES 16
TRIES: Wright
CONS: Lolesio 1/1
PENS: Lolesio 1/1, White 1/1, R. Lonergan 1/1
REDS 12
TRIES: O'Connor, Nasser
CONS: O'Connor 1/2
PENS: O'Connor 0/1
BRUMBIES: 15. Tom Banks, 14. Tom Wright, 13. Len Ikitau, 12. Irae Simone, 11. Andy Muirhead, 10. Noah Lolesio 9. Nic White, 8. Pete Samu, 7. Jahrome Brown, 6. Rob Valetini, 5. Nick Frost 4. Darcy Swain, 3. Allan Alaalatoa (c), 2. Folau Fainga'a, 1. James Slipper
RESERVES: 16. Connal McInerney, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Sefo Kautai, 19. Tom Hooper, 20. Luke Reimer, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Rodney Iona, 23. Jesse Mogg
REDS: 15. Jordan Petaia, 14. Jock Campbell, 13. Hunter Paisami, 12. Hamish Stewart, 11. Josh Flook, 10. James O'Connor, 9. Kalani Thomas, 8. Harry Wilson, 7. Fraser McReight (co-c), 6. Seru Uru, 5. Angus Blyth, 4. Ryan Smith, 3. Taniela Tupou, 2. Josh Nasser, 1. Dane Zander
RESERVES: 16. Matt Faessler, 17. Harry Hoopert, 18. Feao Fotuaika, 19. Connor Vest, 20. Liam Wright (co-c), 21. Spencer Jeans, 22. Lawson Creighton, 23. Isaac Henry
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees: Graham Cooper, Reuben Keane
