Stirling Mortlock leads Brumbies revival in win over Blues

[mudskipper]

Stirling Mortlock leads Brumbies revival in win over Blues

Stirling Mortlock has led the Brumbies to a crucial 37-15 win over the Blues in Canberra, scoring a try and kicking nine points to become the all-time leading point scorer in Super rugby history.

The Brumbies overcame a lacklustre start to the match to score five second-half tries and earn a bonus point, keeping their Super 14 semi-finals hopes alive.

Both sides went into the match needing a win to have any chance of making the finals and it was the Blues who made the most of their opportunities in the first half.

The visitors took an early three point lead after No.10 Jimmy Gopperth slotted a penalty goal in the second minute before Brumbies five-eighth Matt Toomua landed a drop goal to level the scores 15 minutes later.

The Brumbies were often beaten at the breakdown and lacked any real penetration in attack, while the Blues tried to play a more expansive game, beating the home side out wide on numerous occasions and earning a 10-6 lead at the break.

However, it was a different Brumbies side in the second half with Mortlock stepping up to lead the charge.

The Wallabies captain crashed over four minutes into the second half to kick-start the Brumbies' revival, before converting his own try and eclipsing former Crusaders five-eighth Andrew Mehrtens' Super points scoring record in the process.

Three tries in the next 15 minutes then put the game out of the Blues' reach.

Mortlock added the extras for two of those tries to take his points tally in the match to 12 and his all-time points scoring record to 994 - four ahead of Mehrtens - before he was taken off after a head knock.

The Blues hit back with a try in the 62nd minute to get back to 32-15 but the match was all but over and the Brumbies went further ahead with a fifth try to Sitaleki Timani five minutes from full time.

The Brumbies lost Stephen Moore just before kick-off after the Wallabies hooker, who was unable to train for much of the week due a slight tear in his right hamstring, was ruled out and replaced by Huia Edmonds.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...002381,00.html

[oxleymoron]

Jeez mud, didn't realise there were many internet cafes so close to Canberra Stadium.

[mudskipper]

Jeez mud, didn't realise there were many internet cafes so close to Canberra Stadium.

Gee and I didn't realise South Australia was even connected... nice pick up short cake...

[jargan83]

Jeez mud, didn't realise there were many internet cafes so close to Canberra Stadium.

No I'm sure he is posting on a lap top with wireless. Surely even a part timer like muddy would make the short drive to Canberra for the last game
Posted via Mobile Device

[mudskipper]

No I'm sure he is posting on a lap top with wireless. Surely even a part timer like muddy would make the short drive to Canberra for the last game
Posted via Mobile Device

Yerr its crap I couldn't make it... tempted but not possible... the last game of the year its always nice to attend so All you force supporters get a long if you can next week... because there the best games and in your case moving like ours because a number of the boys know they wont be there next year....... Brumbies did well tonight thankfully ........Go the Mort-Meter.... a record S14 point scorer..... what a champ... every team should have a guy like that... he is special.... I love how he is motivating the young guys... I wonder if he is a future coach? he might be fantastic...

[lmaag]

Congrats Stirling, good job Brumbies