Brumbies down the Lions in the rain
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ACT Brumbies scored two second-half tries and Wallabies flyhalf Matt Giteau kicked three conversions and a penalty in a 24-13 win over South Africa’s Lions in Super 14 rugby on Friday.
The Brumbies led 10-3 at halftime, dominating on a rainy night but failed to capitalize until five minutes from the break when they were awarded a penalty try after repeated scrum infringements by the Lions.
The Lions went into the match with eight changes, including an all-new front row, and struggled in the scrum.
Lions tighthead prop Kevin Buys was sent to the bin in the 27th minute after the visiting side was penalized numerous times for hitting too early in the scrum.
The Brumbies got off to a poor start with Giteau kicking the ball out on the full twice in the first two minutes, first from the kickoff and then from a penalty one minute later.
The Lions were first to score with Burton Francis converting a penalty in the ninth minute after the Brumbies were ruled offside while defending their line.
Giteau then leveled the scores through a penalty five meters inside the Lions’ half in the 15th minute.
ACT captain Stephen Hoiles said his side pulled out all the stops for a fourth try.
“It was disappointing we could not get a bonus point, but in conditions like tonight, it was difficult,” he said.
“We took a little bit of control in the wet conditions.”
Lions captain Cobus Grobbelaar praised his side’s play in the rain.
“The boys did well, I though we adapted well,” he said.
“But they used their opportunities, and the penalties we had in the beginning of the game kept us out of it. It’s something we need to work on.”
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Scores:
ACT Brumbies 24 (Christian Lealiifano, Stephen Moore tries; penalty try; Matt Giteau 3 conversions, penalty)
Lions 13 (Hannes Franklin try; Burton Francis conversion, 2 penalties).
HT: 10-3.
[Associated Press]
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