The Plus500 Brumbies have come away with a hard fought 26-20 win against the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park after a standout performance from run-on debutant Rory Scott.
A try, an assist and a number of turnovers at the breakdown saw the Canberra product lead from the front in just his first Super Rugby start, the Brumbies digging in defensively in the second half against a Rebels side fighting for a finals berth.
The Rebels came out quickly in the first half, firing the first shot from close range through hooker James Hanson.
That didn’t rattle the Brumbies, and the side went hunting for tries, using their scrum dominance as a base to march up the field.
Folau Fainga’a looked to have nabbed a try off the back of a rolling maul but a slight knock-on ruled it out.
The Rebels then lost Marika Koroibete to the bin. The Brumbies would open their account from the ensuing penalty.
A similar maul to the one which saw Fainga’a go close gave Scott the chance to cross for his first Super Rugby five-pointer and he made no mistake, Ryan Lonergan converting to level the score.
The Brumbies dominated for the rest of the half, keeping the Rebels pinned in their 22m line as the home side continued to infringe.
Too many penalties meant Trevor Hosea was next in the bin for the Rebels, but Melbourne did manage to parry the Brumbies attacks, at least for the time being.
A searing break from Noah Lolesio and some beautiful hands from the outside backs got the Brumbies back into the Rebels 22.
Quick ball gave Lonergan time to find Cadeyrn Neville and the towering lock was too strong, dotting the ball down for the Brumbies second try. The third came moments later.
Bayley Kuenzle forced the ball loose from Campbell Magnay, and some slick hands from Len Ikitau put Tom Wright in space with an unblocked avenue to the try line.
The Wallabies winger was too quick, and Wright raced home untouched to score, leaving the sore at 19-6 at halftime.
After the break, the Rebels came out fighting, scoring the pick of their tries with a long range effort finished by former Brumby Joe Powell.
To’omua’s conversion was followed by a penalty, the Rebels now just two points behind.
The Brumbies responded, however. Lolesio spotted space in behind the Rebels defence and his searching kick had To’omua back peddling.
Looking to clear his lines, To’omua was met by Andy Muirhead and his kick, rattling off his own player, found Scott and the Royals man found his Canberra club mate Kuenzle who strolled in for his maiden Super Rugby try. Lolesio, now with the kicking duties, converted from out wide.
The Rebels added another penalty, and had a chance at the death, but a crucial turnover from Will Miller, who notched up 50 Super Rugby games on his return from retirement, sealed the victory, the final score 26-20 to the Brumbies.
The team have a bye in Round 10 of the competition before hosting the third placed team in a Knockout Final in Canberra on Saturday May 1.
Plus500 Brumbies 26 (T: Scott, Neville, Wright, Kuenzle; C: Lonergan 2, Lolesio) def Melbourne Rebels 20 (T: Hanson, Powell; C: To’omua 2; P: To’omua 2)
The Plus500 Brumbies have a bye in Round 10 of Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU. They will play the third placed team in the Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU Qualifying Final at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Saturday May 1 at 7:45pm AEDT. LIVE and AD FREE on the new Home of Rugby, Stan Sport and simulcast on 9Gem.
