It was a very close and low-scoring game last night at GIO Stadium in Canberra, where we saw the best of both Super Rugby teams in action from both Australia & New Zealand; ACT Brumbies v Blues from Auckland. The home team fired off well with the early lead before Blues fought back with a one-point buffer at half-time, 7-8. Both teams never game up later on where the Brumbies re-gained the lead with a minute to spare. Unfortunately, the Brumbies just couldn’t holf off towards the finish line, when they were hijacked by Beauden Barrett’s sensational drop-goal that secured his Blues side the win they truly deserve away from home. The final score is 19-21.
Unlucky from the Brumbies with the heartbreaking loss which left their home supporters frustrated. The home side started off well alongside a strong defensive shape where their opponents have trouble getting past them at times throughout tonight. However, they were punished with two yellow cards in the first-half which was one part being let down, while the Blues swooped a last-minute lead change towards half-time. Then there’s a lack of fire from the backline, where their limited contribution going forward have also let the home team down. It’s a high standard the Brumbies just couldn’t match with the Blues, which puts so much pressure defensively before Beauden Barrett struck them a huge blow in the end.
Congratulations to the Blues with an unbelievable win v the top-ranked Australian Super Rugby team, ACT Brumbies. Now they may have been behind in some areas, especially with the slow starts & poor defensive responses along the way. But they’re always excellent in the attack that scared off the Brumbies where the Blues bide their time patiently, especially with a number of winning penalties/advantages before they were able to get the job done. And the Blues just never gave up based on their best strengths & style of play, which also helped inspire them to close this match-up with the win via Beauden Barrett’s drop-goal.
We now have one game left this afternoon to round off Week 14 when the Highlanders welcome NSW Waratahs at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand. Then we finish off the regular season next weekend before finals time; Brumbies travel to Auckland v Moana Pasifika next Saturday Night, while Blues head to Leichhardt Oval in Sydney v Waratahs at the same time.
