In a game dominated by missed opportunities, the ACT Brumbies were able to return stronger in the second half and control the game, returning one point down at the break to a comfortable 30-13 win.
After a strong first half effort, the Rebels were unable to keep up with the Brumbies attack and soon found themselves down and out throughout the second half.
In an unfortunate turn for the Rebels, several of their star players were injured and so the team was restricted.
James O’Connor was benched, not allowed to return for a concussion, Kurtley Beale was limited by a sore shoulder, Scott Higginbotham remained on the field but was treated for neck pain, captain Gareth Delve and star half-back Nick Phipps were replaced.
It was the Brumbies who scored first with Jesse Mogg, the Fullback, making it over the chalk, and Lealiifano converting. However, the Rebels were quick to hit back with several penalties and a Scott Higginbotham try, set up by O’Connor off a knocked back high ball.
It was a strong defensive effort by both teams, but by the 35-minute mark, the Rebels were given several attempts at goal however were only able to convert two, bringing the score to a 13-7 lead.
Jesse Mogg, however, was able to find a gap and break through the Rebels defence with great run down the field, breaking through several tackles, to be taken down just metres from the line. It was the Brumbies great phase play and ball through hand movements that put Clyde Rathbone over the line. Bringing the 13-12.
After a half of several missed opportunities with dropped balls and missed penalties, a final penalty to the Brumbies at the break could be considered another as they chose to run the ball at the line, which was then dropped in the tackle, missing out on a chance to the lead the score at the break.
As the teams returned for the second stanza, the Brumbies were awarded two quick penalties, bringing the score 13-18 to the Brumbies.
It was at this time that the Rebels began to slowly fall apart, with injuries sidelining several players, and hindering players remaining on the pitch.
The Brumbies dominated play and were able to put 18 unanswered points onto the board, with Ben Mowen picking up a loose ball from a highball kick running twenty metres to the line, brining the score 13-25.
However, the Brumbies still managed to miss several opportunities throughout the half with dropped balls and a fumble at the back of a scrum loosing them a try, after Jarrod Saffy was sent off for not rolling away close to the 70-minute.
The Brumbies soon ran away with the win after Robbie Coleman, crossed the line after great phase play with the Brumbies attacking the line and receiving a bonus point try, bringing the score 13-30.
This win means that the Brumbies now equal a Super Rugby record with six wins in a row.
The Brumbies will now have a week off to recuperate, while the Rebels will face off with the Waratahs in Sydney.
What were your thoughts on the match, Roarers?
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