The Brumbies have returned to the winners list with a six try effort leading to a comprehensive 42-14 victory over the Western Force at GIO Stadium.
Doubles for Len Ikitau and Andy Muirhead helped seal a crucial bonus point victory for the Brumbies as they leapfrog the Reds at the top of the Super Rugby AU table for now.
It took until the 19th minute for the Brumbies to break through with Ikitau making the most of Tevita Kuridrani being sent to the sin bin.
The floodgates then opened up with Ikitau scoring his second from close range to extend the Brumbies lead.
Ikitau’s double was followed by a clean finish from Cadeyrn Neville, the towering lock crashing over on the left wing.
The first half barrage was completed with a five pointer to Andy Muirhead after some beautiful hands from Mack Hansen.
Noah Lolesio converted from out wide, the flyhalf kicking five from five conversions in the game including a couple touchline efforts.
The 28-0 half time lead was a fair reflection of the Brumbies dominance with the four try half setting up a match winning break.
The second stanza was much more of a contest, and it would be the Force who got the first try after the break, Henry Taefu muscling over for their first of two tries.
The Brumbies soon snuffed out any thoughts of a comeback with hooker Lachlan Lonergan crashing over.
A late consolation from former Brumby Ian Prior threatened the Brumbies bonus-point, but a final flourish and some more slick passing put Muirhead over for his second of the night, sealing the win.
Lonergan’s conversion made it 42-14 and that is how it would finish to give the Brumbies four wins from five matches in 2021.
Their next match is against the winless NSW Waratahs on Friday 2 April at the SCG.
Plus500 Brumbies 42 (T: Ikitau 2, Muirhead 2, Neville, L Lonergan; C: Lolesio 5, R Lonergan 1)
Western Force 14 (T: Taefu, Prior; C: Prior 2)Â
For more sport:
