The Plus500 Brumbies have come away with a 27-24 win in their Super Rugby season opener against the Reds in Canberra.
The home side got off to a fast start, turning up the heat on the visiting Reds forcing a number of early turnovers.
Those pilfers and pressure eventually turned into points. Some deft hands by skipper Allan Alaalatoa sent Irae Simone under the sticks, with the conversion being successfully kicked by debutant Noah Lolesio.
The local team was becoming dominant but opportunities went begging as they went searching for more points, allowing the Reds to come back into the game.
Returning Brumby favourite Henry Speight got the Reds first try of the night, becoming the first player to score a five-pointer against every Super Rugby side. Bryce Hegarty added the extras.
Hegarty added another three to their tally from the tee, before scoring his own five-pointer on the stroke of half-time.
His extras meant the visitors took a 17-7 lead into the sheds at the break.
However, the Brumbies came out firing in the second period and some silky skills from Lolesio and Tevita Kuridrani put Tom Wright into some space and the speedster finished incredibly, carrying defenders over the line.
It was a familiar sight next for the Plus500 Brumbies. A perfect rolling maul saw Folau Fainga’a open his account for the 2020 season, with that effort coupled by a stunning try from Tom Banks in the 66th minute.
The fullback glided into space, beat two defenders and somehow made his way under the uprights. Lolesio added the extras and a penalty ten minutes later.
Lolesio added an extra three points shortly after which proved to be vital, as the Reds would rally with Reds debutant Harry Wilson crashing over with just three minutes to go.
The visitors began to look for a match winner but a knock on after 80th minute saw the Plus500 Brumbies secure a 27-24 win.
Plus500 Brumbies 27 (Tries: Simone, Wright, Fainga'a, Banks; Conversions: Lolesio 2; Penalties: Lolesio) def Queensland Reds 24 (Tries: Speight, Hegarty, Wilson; Conversions: Hegarty 3; Penalties: Hegarty)
