The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have extended their winning streak over the NSW Waratahs to 13 tonight after defeating their rivals 29-21 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
The visitors would open the scoring in the 10th minute as the Brumbies were rewarded for their early dominance in territory. Following hit up after hit up from Brumbies forwards close to the Waratahs line, Charlie Cale made his own path as he dove over the ruck and into NSW's in-goal for an early try. Converted by Ryan Lonergan the visitors were up 7-0 within 10 minutes.
The Waratahs would refuse to let their guests from the capital get momentum early and make the most of a scrappy ruck which allowed the home side to venture up some open space before passing off a try to their captain Jake Gordon under the posts. Converted by Will Harrison the scores were level at 7 all in the 15th minute.
After some heavy possession from the Waratahs in good position in the 25th minute, skipper Gordon made his way through the Brumbies defence once again before handing it off to his winger who looked certain to score, before Brumbies 10 Jack Debreczeni managed to fly across field for a try saving cover tackle.
In the 33rd minute, Lonergan would get his side back in the lead with a penalty kick 16 metres in from the sideline, bringing the scores to 7-10 which remained the score until the half time break.
Waiting no time after leaving the sheds, visiting flanker Rob Valentini would send a reminder to the Waratahs of his strength, especially when close to the tryline. With a ruck just metres away from the in-goal after a Brumbies scrum, Valentini burrowed under the New South Welshman for the visitors second try of the night. Converted by Lonergan the men from the capital were up 17-7 after the 43rd minute.
Soon after, Debreczeni would create something out of nothing from 40 metres out after evading multiple tackles, before sending the ball backwards to Len Ikitau who powered through three defenders on his way to the corner for another Brumbies five-pointer in the 48th minute.
Trailing 22-7 as the heavier rain made both sides change their tune it was the Waratahs who would adjust first in the wet and pounce on a Brumbies dropped ball before toeing it on from halfway for a try to Joey Walton. Converted by Harrison the sides were then locked at 22-14 in the torrential downpour.
After finding more heavy possession in Brumbies territory the Waratahs were finally rewarded as Tane Edmed slid in for a try untouched after a quick ruck shot the ball out to the finisher. Converted by Harrison once again, the scores sat at 22-21 to the Brumbies with 7 minutes remaining.
Not satisfied with a one point margin, the Brumbies managed to play the conditions perfectly in the 77th minute as the side continued bombarding the Waratahs line with forwards before Sefo Kautai was finally successful. Converted by Debreczeni the Brumbies would come away from Sydney 29-21 victors.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies 29 (Tries: Charlie Cale, Rob Valentini, Len Ikitau, Sefo Kautai; Conversions: Ryan Lonergan 2; Penalty Goals: Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni) def. NSW Waratahs 21 (Tries: Jake Gordon, Joey Walton, Tane Edmed; Conversions: Will Harrison 2, Tane Edmed)
