MICHAEL VLISMAS, Pretoria | Saturday 7.00pm.
THE ACT Brumbies recovered from a lacklustre first half to beat the Northern Bulls 28-19 in a Saturday’s Super 12 match at Loftus.
The Bulls, still searching for their first victory in the competition, were the surprise 16-10 leaders at half-time after their best start this year.
The controversy surrounding five Brumbies players who vandalised a Cape Town taxi in the build-up to this match could well have been a disruption.
But the Bulls’ ability to keep the ball in hand and execute their moves at pace was the key factor on the field in the first half, giving the home team attacking opportunities that have been missing from their previous games.
However, the Bulls’ lead came via a controversial try shortly before the break.
Bulls wing Paul Treu failed to control a crossfield kick from flyhalf Jannie de Beer, and there was a suggestion that the ball went forward before flank Anton Leonard dived onto it.
Brumbies wing Mark Bartholomeusz narrowed the gap with his second try just after half-time.
But it was two Brumbies penalties within 10 minutes by Stirling Mortlock that gave the visitors a lead they never relinquished.
Australia’s World Cup winning scrumhalf, George Gregan, sealed the victory with a try 10 minutes from full time. — Reuters