Western Force winger Toni Pulu has been sent off after a high shot during the first half of their Qualifying Final with the Brumbies.
With the Force playing in their first final, they were looking to get off to the perfect start.
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After defending waves of attacks from the Brumbies, they got their wish after 30 minutes with fly-half Domingo Miotti slotting the penalty goal to open the scoring.
The Brumbies would hit straight back via Tom Wright, who crossed in the corner.
However, the game would turn on its head as the half-time siren blared across GIO Stadium.
Looking to keep out the Brumbies once last time, Pulu would come over the top of a tackle on Irae Simone, leaving him dazed and on the ground.
The TMO would be called in, which showed Pulu's shoulder making contact with the head of Simone.
This gave referee Nic Berry no option, issuing the former Brumby with the red card as the Force were reduced to 14 men.
The defending champions would immediately take advantage of the overlap, with Tom Banks crossing in the corner to give them a 12-3 lead at the break.
Despite receiving the numerical advantage, Brumbies skipper Nic White was refusing to get complacent as they look to book their place in the final.
"Some people might say the red card will make it easier," Brumbies halfback Nic White told Stan Sport.
"I think it's going to make it harder, we need to be sharp between the ears."
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