The President’s XV have shown once again they are not to be discounted, getting an important 19-13 win over title contenders the Brumbies.
Round 2 of Super W got underway as part of the first Magic Round format with all teams now based in Coffs Harbour, starting with the Brumbies clashing with the President’s XV.
In a show of scrappy enthusiasm and enterprising play, the PXV were willing to run with the ball from all areas of the field. Made up of players from around the country, the team certainly had a point to prove and remained tenacious right up until the full-time siren.
It proved to be a war of attrition, with the PXV holding off waves of Brumbies attack late in the second half, despite the Brumbies dominance in set-piece play.
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The PXV came out of the blocks firing early in the match, scoring the opening try when Claudia Nielson pounced on a loose pass from the Brumbies to score under the posts. The Brumbies had no answer for their up-tempo play, and the PXV found themselves in enemy territory, as prop Candice Clay barreled over for their second try.
The Brumbies responded by slowing the game down and utilising their excellent set-piece.
After a few raids into PXV territory, the Brumbies finally got on the board after winning a scrum against the feed. They flung it out wide and Halley Derera showed a hot set of heels to finish off in the corner.
Mason-Spice looked dangerous with ball in hand, using her pace and power to carve up the PXV defence.
Brumbies handling and passing was exceptional, getting the ball out wide through excellent cut out passes.
Derera got her double after receiving a wayward pass that was almost intercepted by Jemima McCalman. Derara capitalised on the broken play to streak away for her second score.
The Brumbies forced their way back into the game, and Ella Ryan converted an important penalty goal to put the Brumbies in the lead for the first time in the match to close out the first half.
The PXV upped the ante in the second half with their pace and skill, regaining the lead after Jasmin Huriwai pounced on a grubber from Tylah Vallance to score from 5 metres out.
Hana lane joined the action in the second half and was once again instrumental in forcing turnovers for the PXV.
The Brumbies scrum gained ascendancy with the injection of second-rower Grace Kemp allowing them to get back in the game and control set piece.
The match descended into an arm wrestle late in the second half as the brumbies continued to attack in the PXV’s 22, but they were held off through cliniacl defensive over the ball work.
A bone-rattling hit from PXV skipper Alex Sulusi forced a crucial turnover with two minutes to go in the match, allowing the PXV to secure an incredible victory.
Sunday 27 May 11:00 am AEST – Brumbies v President's XV at C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport
BRUMBIES (1-15): Iris Verebalavu, Harriet Elleman, Louise Burrows, Michaela Leonard (c), Ash Fernandez, Pearl Rakete, Rebecca Smyth, Zali Waihape-Andrews, Jane Garraway, Ella Ryan, Hailey Derera, Siokapesi Palu, Lillyann Mason-Spice, Talei Qalo Wilson, Makayla Morris
Reserves: Montana Ojeda, Niki Paterson, Kimberley Fyfe, Grace Kemp, Tayla Stafford, Susannah Cooke, Teliya Heteraka, Claudia Obst
INs: Makayla Morris, Teliya Heteraka
OUTs: Tess Staines, Apryll Green
PRESIDENT’S XV (1-15): Moniqca Mo'ale, Tasmin Sheppard, Candice Clay, Trudi Peterson, Kate Holland, Karen Nabaluarua, Emma Bradford, Alex Sulusi (c), Paris Ingegneri, Isla Norman-Bell, Jemima McCalman, Maraea Tupai, Jasmin Huriwai, Claudia Nelson, Tylah Vallance
Reserves: Miki Trbojevich, Yolanda Maiava, Ayla Cook, Grace Qaranivalu, Hana Lane, Tatum Bird, Vani Va'aga, Renae Nona
INs: Yolanda Maiava, Tatum Bird, Maraea Tupai, Tasmin Sheppard,
OUTs: Melissa Fatu, Rosie Ebbage, Katie Sampford, Renez Bates,
