Road to the Final: Brumbies

Thu, May 6, 2021, 5:27 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Brumbies book their berth in the Final after outlasting a gritty Western Force.

The Brumbies are looking to go back-to-back as they travel to Suncorp Stadium to face the Queensland Reds on May 8 in the Super Rugby AU Final.

Ahead of the big game, Rugby.com.au has looked back at how they got to the finals, pinpointing the key moments and matches that defined their season

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THE STATEMENT GAME

From the hunters to the hunted in 2021, the Brumbies made a major statement of intent when they hosted the Waratahs in Round Two.

In a dominant display, the home side ran in nine tries during the 61-10 victory at GIO Stadium.

Winger Mack Hansen stepped up in the absence of Tom Wright, running in a hat-trick as they sent a major message to the rest of the comp.

Brumbies scrumhalf Nic White couldn't be stopped on his way to the line.

THE NARROW ESCAPE

With confidence high, the Brumbies were expected to cruise against a Rebels side that had been struggling away from home in Round Three.

However, Matt To'ouma's and the Melbourne side came to play, continuing to slot penalties as the Rebels took the lead with just four minutes to go.

With time running out, the Brumbies would earn a penalty just over halfway, setting up a difficult shot at goal.

Enter Ryan Lonergan, as the replacement slotted the 55m penalty to win the game.

Lonergan slots the matchwinner

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY (Pt 1)

Riding high, the Brumbies welcomed the Reds in a 2020 Grand Final rematch to GIO Stadium.

They would immediately get off to the perfect start, racing out to a 17-0 lead.

However, a mountain of injuries would come back to haunt them as the Reds reduced the margin.

In the end, Hunter Paisami would break their hearts, snatching onto a Jordan Petaia grubber to seal the game in the final minute.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY (Pt 2)

Many were hoping that the sequel lived up to the original and it absolutely delivered when the Brumbies travel to Brisbane to face the Reds.

Once again, the Brumbies would race out to an early lead as they looked for revenge.

But it was the same old story for the Brumbies, losing late in the game as Petaia turned much-winner, crossing in the corner before James O'Connor slotted a penalty to seal victory.

Air Jordan in the clutch

BOOKING THEIR PLACE

Finishing second in the regular season, the Brumbies hosted the Qualifying Final against the Western Force.

With the Force riding high after a series of tight wins into their maiden finals appearance, the Brumbies were forced to grind out victory in the cold and dewy conditions.

In the end, tries to Tom Banks and Tom Wright would secure the win, setting up a rematch with the Brumbies.

However, the win came at a cost, with forwards James Slipper and Pete Samu suffering injuries.

BRUMBIES TEAM v REDS

BRUMBIES (1-15): Scott Sio, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Darcy Swain, Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Frost, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Tom Wright, Irae Simone, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Banks

Reserves: Folau Fainga'a, Harry Lloyd, Tom Ross, Henry Stowers, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Reesjan Pasitoa, Mack Hansen

INs: Henry Stowers, Harry Lloyd

OUTs: Pete Samu, James Slipper

It’s a rematch of the 2020 Super Rugby AU decider as the Reds host the Brumbies on Saturday 8 May at Suncorp Stadium, kicking off at 7:45 pm AEST.Click here to purchase tickets to one of the most anticipated Rugby matches of the year.

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