A defensive masterclass against Moana Pasifika has lifted the ACT Brumbies into second on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder - for now.
Stephen Larkham's side weathered an almighty storm and two yellow cards yet surged away to a 24-0 bonus point victory in Pukekohe - though their top-two status may be short-lived should the Chiefs defeat the Highlanders in Saturday's all-Kiwi clash.
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Corey Toole's first try in the shadows of half time proved crucial after a scoreless opening 39 minutes while Billy Pollard's rolling maul double ensured maximum return from a physical and error-riddled encounter.
The injection of Pollard and fellow front row replacements James Slipper and Feao Fotuaika was key with the trio combining for three scrum penalties and pinning the hosts downfield before Toole's second try sealed the contest with five minute remaining.
Earlier, it was all Moana Pasifika with Tana Umaga's side dominating until Toole's opening score.
The hosts boasted 63% possession and 55% territory and looked to have opened the scoring via Fine Inisi but the try was scrubbed for offside at the preceding line-out.
Toole's 40th minute try proved a fell blow to Moana after the outstanding Andy Muirhead scythed through and kicked ahead for his flying wing partner and the hosts simply couldn't keep up after oranges with the visitors' bench turning the screws at set-piece and refusing to crack defensively.
Pollard's dual strikes from the maul base in the 54th and 66th minutes were fatal before a lovely flick pass from Harrison Goddard gave Tom Wright enough time and pasture to put Toole away untouched for his second meat pie.
It's really pleasing to come out here to Pukekohe and put in a performance like that against a tough Moana side," Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa told Sky Sports post-game.
"The most pleasing part was to keep their side at zero points and our side (show) their attacking flair so really proud of that effort.
"I think for us we just had to hustle hard … we had two yellow cards today (Tom Hooper and Tom Wright) and still didn't give any points away."
ACT BRUMBIES 24 (Toole 2, Pollard 2 tries; Meredith 2 cons) def MOANA PASIFIKA 0
PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sione Mafile'o, Tom Savage, Michael Curry, Miracle Faiilagi, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Kyren Taumoefolau, Julian Savea, Pepesana Patafilo, Fine Inisi, Tevita Ofa
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Monu Moli, Chris Apoua, Samuel Slade, Ola Tauelangi, Melani Matavaom Jackson Garden-Bachop, Danny Toala
BRUMBIES (1-15): Rhys van Nek, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Hudson Creighton
Referee: Angus Mabey
Assistant Referees: James Doleman, Ben O'Keeffe
TMO: Glenn Newman
