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The Brumbies are on target for a top two finish after dismantling the Western Force 33-14 in Perth on Saturday night, but their championship hopes might have come at a cost after losing a couple of big name players to injury.
Playmaker Noah Lolesio was stretchered off midway through the first half after being squished in a clean out on his goal line, while Luke Reimer was forced off late in the match with a concussion.
Despite the loss of the quality duo, the Brumbies managed to rally after a frustrating first half where the visitors couldn’t quite hit their straps because of the Force’s pressure at the lineout.
But after taking a more direct approach in the second half, the Brumbies started to make some inroads and eventually got some pay. Three tries followed, which sealed a potentially important bonus point.
“It’s very satisfying, particularly at the end there getting a bonus point,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said.
“We know how important it is. We spoke about the ladder coming into this game.
“We knew what it meant to the Force and we knew that they were fighting to hold on.
“But for us it means we’re in the top two, which is where we want to be at this stage of the competition.”
Len Ikitau was one of the Brumbies’ best during their bonus point win over the Force in Perth. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Already a game outside the top six, with a daunting trip to Lautoka next week before having a bye, the defeat was a hammer blow for the Force’s hopes of securing a maiden finals berth.
It also was a disappointing result on a night where the Force celebrated 20 years as a Super Rugby franchise.
While the Force defended gallantly, halfback Nic White lamented his side’s inability to take their chances.
“We made some opportunities in that first half, we just didn’t cherish the ball,” he said. “And good sides like the Brumbies only give you a handful and you’ve got to be able to take them. Really disappointing.”
Brumbies enforcer Rob Valetini was outstanding for the visitors, while Tom Hooper wasn’t far behind him either.
They were helped by Ryan Lonergan, who was sharp and dictated terms, especially in the absence of Lolesio.
Len Ikitau was arguably the Brumbies’ best though, with the outside centre scoring and regularly getting over the gain line.
He was also well supported by Andy Muirhead, who was strong on both sides of the ball.
Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa admitted his side was somewhat shaken by the loss of Lolesio, who was squished in the process of trying to make a cleanout near his own line after the Force turned the Brumbies around and forced them to run it back.
“It’s always tough, especially when you see him in the neck brace and getting carried off,” he said. “It’s not a nice sight. Just praying for him and his recovery.
“But we had full faith in the bench, Dec’s [Declan Meredith] played some good footy for us in the past and there was nothing but trust for him.”
Noah Lolesio was stretchered off during the Brumbies’ win over the Force in Perth. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
While it’s unlikely Lolesio will be fit for next week’s crucial clash against the Reds, Larkham gave a positive update on his health at full-time.
“He’s gone to hospital, I think he’s getting some scans,” he said. “But he’s got full function and full feeling.
“It was certainly a bit of a shock for him. It was a really awkward position and some heavy boys on top of him, so hopefully he’s OK.”
One person certain to miss the clash is on-ball specialist Reimer, who copped a nasty concussion late in the second half.
On a historic evening for the Force as they celebrated their 20th anniversary, Kane Koteka got the home side on the scoreboard first after the flanker, who was a late inclusion for Carlo Tizzano, got on the end of a maul and scored in the 22 minutes.
But their lead didn’t last long as Ikitau hit back quickly, with the midfielder pouncing in tight to help level the score.
On a frustrating evening where neither side could take their chances, it took until the 40th minute for the Brumbies to go ahead as Corey Toole scored. Meredith converted to give the visitors a 14-7 half-time lead.
The grind continued in the second half as the visitors attempted to barge down the door through the middle. It didn’t work immediately, but they managed to get a numerical advantage when Force back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny was shown a yellow card for being offside in the 55th minute.
Almost ten minutes later the Brumbies got their reward as Hooper scored to help extend the lead out to two converted tries.
The Force returned serve as Mac Grealy finished well out wide.
But Toole managed to hit a nice line and offload to a hard-running Ollie Sapsford to score.
Replacement hooker Liam Bowron then put the icing on the cake with a late try to ensure the Brumbies left with five points.
“The first half was a tough grind, but that was something we spoke about throughout the week that whatever happened tonight, we had to earn. We built that slowly. It took more than a half to do that, but really pleased,” Alaalatoa said.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.