Brumbies book place in Super Rugby Final after gutsy win over Western Force

Sat, May 1, 2021, 11:50 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Brumbies book their berth in the Final after outlasting a gritty Western Force.

The Brumbies have booked their place in the Final against the Reds after a gutsy 21-9 win over the Western Force at GIO Stadium.

After an even first half, the turning point would come before the break as Force winger Toni Pulu was red-carded for a high tackle.

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This allowed the Brumbies to take a 12-3 lead into the break, controlling the game in the second half to book a rematch of 2020 at Suncorp Stadium.

As both teams looked to book their spot in the final, it would turn into a defensive masterclass in the opening half.

Whilst the Brumbies reverted to their tried-and-tested 5m maul on multiple occasions, the Force continued to find answers and kept them out.

The big talking point!

They would repel their efforts for 30 minutes, eventually opening the scoring in just their second visit to the Brumbies 22 via a Domingo Miotti penalty goal.

This kicked the Brumbies into gear, with winger Tom Wright bursting away to score in the corner.

As they looked to add to their tally before the break, the Force were hit with a massive blow as winger Toni Pulu saw red for a high tackle.

Pulu’s shoulder made direct contact with the head of Irae Simone, giving Nic Berry no other option but to send him off.

The Brumbies would capitalise on this, scoring on the final play of the half via Tom Banks, giving them a 12-3 lead at the break.

Tom Wright finds a way to the tryline!

In classic Force fashion, they would refuse to give up, reducing the margin to six points as they fought 'till the end.

They were given a lifeline as they returned to 15 men, with Tom Wright ruled to have gone out before grounding the ball in the corner.

The two teams would trade penalties goals as the game went down to the wire late.

In the end, it would be debutant Luke Reimer that would step up and seal the game.

The Warringah product earned the penalty inside their 22, allowing replacement Ryan Lonergan to slot the goal as they took a nine-point lead.

Another Lonergan penalty would ensure their place in the Final against the Reds on May 8.

However, they will be sweating on the fitness of back-rower Pete Samu, who hobbled off after aggravating a knee injury.

BRUMBIES 21

TRIES: Wright, Banks

CONS: Lolesio

PENS: Lolesio, Lonergan 2

FORCE 9

PENS: Miotti 3

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