Brumbies edge past Chiefs
The Brumbies overcame a tough test from the Chiefs to claim a 30-23 victory in Canberra on Friday.
Last Updated: 26/03/10 12:39pm
The Brumbies overcame a tough test from the Chiefs to claim a 30-23 victory in Canberra on Friday.
The Chiefs were only two minutes away from claiming a gutsy draw, however a late try from Matt Toomua ended such hopes.
The win capped off a memorable night for the Brumbies, who welcomed back utility Julian Huxley after two years off following surgery to remove a brain tumour.
It was the Chiefs who started stronger though, with fly-half Stephen Donald slotting over a second-minute penalty before Liam Messam dropped the ball over the line to ruin a deserved try.
The Brumbies made them pay in the ninth minute, spreading the ball wide to Pat McCabe, who darted back infield and passed to scrum-half Josh Valentine, who beat two defenders to score next to the posts.
Celebrations turned to despair moments later when Brumbies lost winger Francis Fainifo with a suspected broken leg - Huxley entering the fray as a result.
Power
Despite the setback, Brumbies notched their second try just a minute later. With his first touch of the ball Patrick Phibbs, on in place of the injured Valentine, broke through to set up debutant Michael Hooper for a try under the posts.
Donald responded with two quickfire penalties, however, to narrow the gap to 14-9.
The Chiefs took the lead with 10 minutes left in the first half, a Donald run gaining them good ground before Brendon Leonard picked the ball up and powered his way over from 15 metres out.
Donald converted to make it 16-14 but Matt Giteau edged the Brumbies back ahead 17-16 at the interval.
The topsy-turvy nature of the match continued after the break when the Chiefs hit back again.
Richard Kahui blocked an attempted Stirling Mortlock kick and after quick hands he was put into a gap and ran 20 metres to score.
Donald converted but a Giteau penalty brought the Brumbies back within three points.
From this point onwards the Brumbies took control. Another Giteau penalty levelled the scores, and, with just two minutes remaining, Phibbs set up Toomua who crossed for the win.
