Western Force only Australian Winners in Round 2
Brumbies left blue
February 10, 2007 - 9:12pm
Story by: Sportal
The Blues have snatched a dramatic last-gasp17-15 win over the CA Brumbies in a typically tough round two Investec Super 14 match at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night.
Heavy Canberra rain affected the game, with handling errors common and plenty of long kicking from both sides.
The Brumbies nearly got home off the boot of fullback Julian Huxley, who kicked five penalties from eight attempts and had a great kicking game in the trying conditions.
In a thrilling finish though, consecutive penalties for the Blues, one of which included the loss of Brumbies captain Alister Campbell to the sin bin, saw the Brumbies succumb to the pressure of the Blues who pushed their way over in the last play of the game.
Blues prop Saimone Taumoepeau was awarded the try, and flyhalf Isa Nacewa endured the boos and the whistles, landing the pressure conversion to win the match.
Ill-discipline cost the Blues early with Huxley scoring two early penalties to put the Brumbies ahead 6-0.
Winger Peter Playford had a debut he won't want to remember - if he can - a head clash with Stephen Larkham in the sixth minute put him in the blood bin with what looked like a broken nose. Mark Gerrard replaced Playford on the wing, in the ultimate test to his injured knee.
The Blues hit back minutes later, after a great step to break the line, Luke McAlister put Nacewa over the line. Nacewa added his own extras and the Blues led by a point.
Huxley took a gamble in the 19th minute, slotting a 49-metre penalty in the driving rain. Brumbies 9-7.
The rest of the first half saw several chances for both sides, but scrambling defence and handling errors prevented either side from crossing the line.
The Brumbies missed the chance to go further in front at the half, with Huxley's long penalty chance hitting the upright.
After the half, continued pressure led to Huxley coolly slotting a penalty from in front. Nacewa narrowed the gap with a similar penalty minutes later. Brumbies led 12-10.
Nacewa missed the chance to put the Blues in front after 53 minutes, with a penalty attempt going wide.
Huxley put the Brumbies ahead 15-10 in the 62nd minute, with a penalty from directly in front.
The Brumbies had chances to put the game beyond doubt in the second half. Some quick passing had Larkham on the run in the 64th minute, his grubber was kicked ahead by a flying Gerrard who was unable to reach the ball before it went out.
There were several drop goal attempts, the closest being Larkham's ugly attempt that fell centimetres short, hitting the crossbar.
Huxley could have put the game out of the Blues' reach with five minutes remaining, but missed a straightforward penalty attempt.
The Blues were awarded a series of penalties as they pushed for a late victory, and were able to cross the line in the corner just after the siren and they celebrated after Nacewa's wide conversion attempt sailed between the posts.
Blues 17
Tries: Nacewa (9'), Taumoepeau (80')
Conversions: Nacewa 2/2
Penalties: Nacewa 1/2
Brumbies 15
Penalties: Huxley 5/8
