The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have defeated the Queensland Reds 23-17 at GIO Stadium in a tense affair in front of a healthy Canberra crowd.
Lachlan Lonergan’s try in the second half made the difference, with the ACT sealing their third win a row to start the 2023 Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific season.
Action was frenetic in the first half, with both the Brumbies and the Reds holding possession for extended sets.
Noah Lolesio would break the deadlock from the tee before his halves partner and captain Nic White scooted through a gap in the Reds defence to score the first and only try of the first half.
The Brumbies had several chances to add more tries to their tally before the break but had to settle for an additional penalty goal, leaving the score at 13-0 at the break.
Queensland came out with intent in the second period, with Wallaby Jordan Petaia scoring an impressive brace of tries after Harry Wilson’s effort after the break.
The night would belong to the Brumbies however, with Lolesio adding another penalty and a conversion for Lonergan’s try.
The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies now look forward to welcoming Moana Pasifika to GIO Stadium next Saturday night with Brumbies legend Christian Lealiifano returning to Canberra for the first time.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies 23 (13) (T: White, L.Lonergan; C: Lolesio 2; P: Lolesio 3) def Queensland Reds 17 (0) (T: Wilson, Petaia 2; C: O’Connor)
