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Some more Corey Toole magic has helped the Brumbies overcome the Highlanders, as Stephen Larkham’s men sealed a 27-21 win to come away with the chocolates for the first time in Dunedin since 2013.
After a sloppy first half, which continued a concerning theme to start the year, Toole once again showed that there’s no substitute for speed as he burned his opposite out wide and then cut back on the inside to not only give the Brumbies the lead but inject some confidence into themselves. It was Toole’s fifth try in four matches to start the year.
While the Highlanders managed to regain the lead midway through the second half, as Highlanders skipper Billy Harmon broke through two tackles and took another two over the line with him to score, a Noah Lolesio penalty and Lachlan Lonergan try ensured they left New Zealand’s south with four vital competition points.
Interim captain Ryan Lonergan said the win was one he’d “remember for quite a while.”
“We still had a good look at ourselves after that Force game, we got the win but we weren’t happy with our physicality and our breakdown,” he said.
“Even the first 20 minutes today, we were still a bit lazy in that area and then we flicked the switch and we started to muscle up in that area and we started to play a bit of footy.”
A switch was indeed flicked, as the Brumbies’ physicality suddenly returned as the visitors opted to play tighter and go through the middle.
Reigning John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini led the second half surge.
At the same time, the Brumbies started either kicking lock or making it a contest.
The improvement in the kicking area turned the momentum, as the Brumbies started playing off some quick, unstructured ball that allowed them to get a stronger foothold in the contest.
After an energy-sapping first half where the first scrum packed down in the 37th minute, Larkham’s use of the bench paid off.
After starting Blake Schoupp and Billy Pollard, Wallabies veteran James Slipper made a strong impression alongside Test hooker Lachie Lonergan. Tight-head prop Rhys Van Nek was another who had a strong impact.
Corey Toole on his way to the tryline against the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, on March 16, 2024, in Dunedin. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
One of the key moments came in the 73rd minute, as Ben O’Keeffe gave the Brumbies a controversial scrum penalty after several collapses on their 10 metre line.
At the time, the Brumbies were clinging onto a narrow 20-18 lead.
The decision proved a telling one, as the Brumbies went deep inside the Highlanders’ half and although bombed one opportunity, they came away with seven points soon after as Lonergan scored from a rolling maul.
The Highlanders, who were missing Hugh Renton and curiously rested international fly-half Rhys Patchell, managed to knock over a late penalty to ensure they picked up a losing bonus point.
“What a game, it had a bit of everything,” Harmon said. “We had the pressure on, we were squeezing them, but a little bit of inaccuracy and we just couldn’t quite nail it.”
Despite the win, Larkham said the side had a lot of growth left in them.
“Well, I think it’s a step up from last week,” he said. There’s a lot of work to be done still. Our lineouts last week were pretty abysmal and then this week not much better.
“But, certainly, from a forwards carry perspective, I thought tonight they really dominated the carry area.”
The Brumbies will take on a much-improved Moana Pasifika side next Friday.
“There’s challenges around the turnaround for sure, but, for us, we’re certainly looking bigger picture and longer-term, making sure we’re getting growth every week as opposed to results,” Larkham added.
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