Saturday 28 February 2015 12:54, UK
Tevita Kuridrani and Jarrad Butler scored tries as the Brumbies beat the Rebels 20-15 in Melbourne to move top of the Australian Conference in Super Rugby.
Centre Kuridrani raced clear of the home defence to post the opening try – from Butler’s pass – in the 22nd minute, while the latter added a second just before the hour mark.
With 59 minutes played, Butler dived over following a rolling maul while Rebels skipper Scott Higginbotham was off the pitch having been sin-binned.
At that stage the Brumbies were 20-9 ahead but a brace of penalties from Mike Harris took the Rebels within touching distance and guaranteed an exciting finale to the game.
Harris successfully kicked five of his six penalty attempts while Christian Lealiifano added 10 points from the boot for ACT.
And Brumbies skipper Stephen Moore was satisfied to get the win: "I don't think it was a match for the ages but we came here to win after losing last week.
"It was a bit close there at the end but it was good to win. Their set piece was really good, their scrum was strong and they're a much improved side that are going to do a lot of damage this year."
His opposite number Higginbotham added: "It's a tough loss again. Our attack was good in parts and our defence was good in parts but we need to get 80-minute performance.”
It was Melbourne’s second home defeat of the campaign.
