Phibbs leads CA Brumbies to one-point win
September 08, 2006 - 11:13pm
Story by: ACTRU
CA Brumbies scrumhalf Patrick Phibbs has sent a strong message to Wallaby selectors after starring in his side’s 14-13 Australian Provincial Championship (APC) win over the NSW Waratahs at Viking Park.
The battle of the halves headlined the inaugural APC match with Phibbs squaring off against Waratahs’ rising star Josh Holmes. But it was the Brumbies’ half who finished with the points advantage after a high-involvement performance featuring strong passing, aggressiveness with ball in hand and tenacious defence.
With injuries to rival halves Sam Cordingley and Josh Valentine, and rumours of George Gregan’s impending omission for the Wallaby Spring Tour, Phibbs sent a stern reminder that he should not be forgotten when the Australian team is selected for November’s European tour.
Not to be outdone, the Randwick scrumhalf was ably supported inside and out by flyhalf Gene Fairbanks, fullback Julian Huxley and Brumbies’ newcomer, No.8 Stephen Hoiles.
Periodic rain made for greasy conditions and difficult handling, and it was clear that points would be at a premium.
Superboots Peter Hewat and Huxley, in his return match for the Brumbies after four seasons with the Queensland Reds, traded penalties during the first half and with one minute remaining it appeared that the home side would take a 6-3 advantage into the break.
However, when a retiring Gene Fairbanks was penalised and subsequently yellow-carded for a professional foul 10 metres from his own line, the Waratahs were awarded a penalty try to lead 10-6 at half time.
The Brumbies began the second stanza with a flurry, penetrating deep into the Waratahs’ half and threatening the NSW line. Despite the early raid it was the Waratahs who registered first points in the second stanza, again through the boot of Hewat.
Midway through the term, Phibbs continued to take control of the match when he toed through a loose NSW ball before winning the race to give the Brumbies possession just metres from the Waratahs’ line. From the base of the ensuing ruck, hooker James McCormack ploughed over for the Brumbies’ first five-pointer of the evening.
Phibbs was replaced by Nick Haydon in the 61st minute but not before drawing a rousing reception from the appreciative Viking Park crowd.
After uncharacteristically missing several attempts during the match, Huxley calmly slotted a Brumbies penalty to afford his side their 14-13 lead seven minutes later.
Hewat had an opportunity to steal the match with three minutes remaining, but his attempt from 40 metres out fell under the crossbar.
The Brumbies host the Western Force in their next APC match on September 15 at Viking Park.
MATCH DETAILS
CA Brumbies 14 (James McCormack try; Julian Huxley 3 penalties) defeated NSW Waratahs 13 (Penalty try; Peter Hewat 2 penalties, 1 conversion) at Viking Park
Referee: Paul Marks
Half time: Waratahs 10-6
CA Brumbies
1. Nic Henderson
2. James McCormack
3. Salesi Ma’afu
4. Alister Campbell
5. Scott Flint
6. Marty Wilson
7. Julian Salvi
8. Stephen Hoiles
9. Patrick Phibbs
10. Gene Fairbanks
11. Francis Fainifo
12. Adam Ashley-Cooper
13. Matt Carraro
14. Tim Wright
15. Julian Huxley
Reserves
16. Saia Faingaa
17. John Ulugia
18. Chris Aho
19. Brendan O’Neill
20. Nick Haydon
21. Tim Curran
22. Jason Lagaali
Replacements
3. Salesi Ma’afu replaced by 17. John Ulugia (56th minute)
12. Adam Ashley-Cooper replaced by 21. Tim Curran (56th minute)
9. Patrick Phibbs replaced by 20. Nick Haydon (61st minute)
2. James McCormack replaced by 16. Saia Faingaa (61st minute)
11. Francis Fainifo replaced by 22. Jason Lagaali (75th minute)
Yellow cards: Gene Fairbanks (39th minute)
NSW Waratahs
1. Matt Dunning
2. Adam Freier ©
3. Aaron Broughton-Rouse
4. Ben Hand
5. Will Caldwell
6. Dean Mumm
7. Beau Robinson
8. David Lyons
9. Josh Holmes
10. Daniel Halangahu
11. Nick Reilly
12. Tom Carter
13. Ben Jacobs
14. Lloyd Jones
15. Peter Hewat
Reserves
16. Al Manning
17. Matt Skillecorn
18. Shawn Mackay
19. Tim Davidson
20. Dave Rimmer
21. Sam Harris
22. Morgan Turinui
