Super Rugby AU Warp-Up - Round 3

July 19, 2020
1997
Ultimate Rugby

Round 3 of Super Rugby AU saw the Brumbies pip the Waratahs in Sydney while the Reds held off the Force after a vibrant display in Brisbane.

Brumbies v Waratahs

A significantly competitive match-up saw the Brumbies sneak one past the Waratahs 24-23 Aussie derby thriller.

The Brumbies struck first after a cross-kick was pounced on by flanker Tom Cusack in the fifth minute.

The boot of Will Harrison kept the Tahs alive as he slotted two penalties before hooker Tom Hawton sniped a gap and dived over. Hawton’s try initiated a period of dominance for the home side who went 20-5 up after James Ramm collected a well-placed kick and cantered in for their second five-pointer.

The Brumbies had the last laugh in the first half, however, running another two tries through hooker Folau Fainga'a and flanker Rob Valetini before the hooter.

The second half was a low-scoring affair with a solitary Will Harrison penalty for the Waratahs early on before talented replacement scrumhalf Issak Fines jinked his way over for a try, the conversion of which sealed victory for the men from Canberra.

Scorers:

Waratahs

Tries: Tom Horton, James Ramm

Conversions: Will Harrison (2)

Penalties: Harrison (3)

Brumbies

Tries: Thomas Cusack, Folau Fainga'a, Rob Valetini, Issak Fines

Conversions: Bayley Kuenzle (2)

Reds v Western Force

The first half was a pulsating affair with the Force starting off strongly and running in two tries before the Reds answered with two of their own.

With the scores at 14-all, Reds tighthead Taniela Tupou barged over for his team’s third score before swift winger Byron Ralston intercepted and dotted down for the Force.

While the tempo in the second half was more subdued – yielding just one try apiece – the Reds had the strength to hold their own and see out the game for victory, a James O’Connor dropkick taking the final score to 31-24.