The Tabcorp Brumbies have come away with a bonus-point victory in their 2021 Buildcorp Super W opener against the Melbourne Rebels, winning 30-5 at Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan.
A terrific defensive display in the first half and some clinical attack laid the platform for Dan Hawke’s side, the Brumbies now looking forward to their weeklong tournament in Coffs Harbour.
It took the Brumbies more than 20 minutes to get a foothold in the contest, as the Rebels held possession inside Brumbies territory.
That pressure didn’t lead to Rebels points, but in their first real attack, the Brumbies would capitalise.
Ella Ryan’s penalty goal was followed by the first Brumbies try.
Picking off the base of a scrum, Zali Waihape-Andrews darted right, swung back left, dummied, then put the hammer down to bully her way across the chalk.
Another penalty goal from Ryan made it 13-0 at the break. After the interval, the Brumbies would tighten their grip on the game.
Siokapesi Palu struck minutes into the second half, bullying her way over the line. Palu would turn provider moments later, intercepting the ball before racing away 60 metres down field only to find Talei Qalo Wilson with a superb pass.
Ryan’s conversion made it 25-0. The Rebels did manage to get on the board, but the Brumbies would have the last laugh as debutant Halley Derera crossed after the final bell.
30-5 the final score, the Brumbies will travel to Coffs Harbour Saturday 26 June, taking on the President’s XV on Sunday 27 June before a crunch clash with the NSW Waratahs on Wednesday 30 June.
Tabcorp Brumbies 30 (T: Z.Waihape-Andrews, S.Palu, T. Qalo Wilson, H.Derera; C: E.Ryan 2; P: Ryan 2) def Melbourne Rebels 5 (T: J.Kareta)
