The Brumbies have begun their Super Rugby AU title defence with a clinical victory over the Western Force 27-11 at HBF Park in Perth last night.
Despite being put under pressure by the home team at times, strong defence and some cracking tries saw the Brumbies start the season as winners.
It was the Force who got the scoring going, with skipper Ian Prior kicking the first of his two penalty goals on the night.
Brumbies flyhalf Noah Lolesio levelled the scoring from the tee but wasn’t done there as he added a try shortly after.
The 21-year-old sliced through the defence for his first Super Rugby try off a beautiful ball from his halves partner Nic White.
Lolesio would add a second penalty to his ledger, giving the Brumbies a 13-6 lead heading into the break.
The Brumbies had their second try right after the half-time break with Len Ikitau turning the Force inside out and offloading to his centre partner Irae Simone to score easily.
Despite slipping behind on the scoreboard, the Force continued to press but the Brumbies defence had all the answers.
Some slick hands down the right wing saw replacement Issak Fines-Leleiwasa put the finishing touches on the Brumbies win with a brilliant finish.
The Force would add a try at the death, denying the Brumbies a bonus point.
However, the night belonged to the defending champions as they spoiled the Force’s homecoming.
The Brumbies next play the NSW Waratahs in their first home game of the season on Saturday night, 27 February at GIO Stadium.
The Waratahs are coming off a huge 41-7 loss against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium last night.
Brumbies 27 (T: Lolesio, Simone, Fines-Leleiwasa; C: Lolesio 3, P: Lolesio 2)
Western Force 11 (T: Cubelli; P: Prior 2)
Click here for the full Brumbies fixture.
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