The ACT Brumbies reinforced their status as the team to beat in Australia with a 39-26 win over the Queensland Reds.
The stats might not show it, but the Brumbies had a dominant night from the 20th minute onwards, rallying from a 14-0 deficit to win.
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So, what did we learn?
The Brumbies looklike a completely refreshed team after the bye as they showed they are legit contenders on their day.
Stephen Larkham’s men had a rollercoaster start to the year but this was more the quality and markings of the most consistent team in Australian Rugby over the past five years.
They didn’t panic when down 14-0, and without a concussed Len Ikitau and went back to their strengths of wearing teams down in the forwards and striking with their rolling maul.
The trick is now backing it up against Moana Pasifika next week, a team that has been a bogey side in past years.
The Reds were their own worst enemy as their lean run against the Brumbies continued.
The hosts scored four tries on the night. On all four occasions, the Brumbies had possession inside their 22 within 60 seconds of the restart.
It’s a cardinal sin that has plagued Australian teams for years, but the Brumbies made the Reds pay for 21 turnovers conceded
Les Kiss’s spray at half-time said everything, and the Reds will eagerly await the bye.
Rob Valetini delivered his own brand of violence in Brisbane.
Valetini is one of the most dangerous players on his day, and he stepped up on the big occasion, running over the top of winger Tim Ryan for a crucial try.
His barnstorming run through Zane Nonggorr and Seru Uru helped the Brumbies turn the tide and take a half-time lead as he almost single-handedly won the collision battle.
The inclusion of Tuaina Taii Tualima into the starting side was massive. He completed plenty of the dirty work, allowing Valetini to do what he does best.
Ryan Lonergan made a big case for a maiden Wallabies cap.
The scrumhalf was excellent in all aspects of the game, causing the Reds’ problems all game.
He came up big in the second half, whether it was the long-range penalty goal to seal the win or his late turnover for Corey Toole’s try.
Lonergan has been involved in plenty of camps with no debut but getting the points decision over Tate McDermott will do his hopes no harm.
It was the battle of the centurions, but Andy Muirhead returned to Brisbane and claimed the bragging rights over Tate McDermott in their 100th games.
Both centurions had big moments, with McDermott delivering the burst that set up Richie Asiata, while Muirhead had a great grubber and line-break assist to keep the Brumbies’ first-half charge rolling and ultimately secure the win.
Captain Alaalatoa paid tribute to him after the game and his impact, believing he does not get the plaudits he deserves.
It wasn’t all celebrations for the milestone quartet, with Matt Faessler forced off after 12 minutes in his 50th.
