Heroic Brumbies fly the flag for Australia

Super Rugby Pacific round-up

- CAMERON STEPHENS

THE Brumbies produced a heroic goal line stand to book their place in this week’s semi-finals as Luke Reimer controversially held up Ardie Savea over the line in the 85th minute to seal a 37-33 victory over the Hurricanes in one of the games of the tournament. 

After Tom Wright’s try regained the lead for the hosts in the 71st minute, a barrage of attacking raids from the Hurricanes left the Brumbies relentlessly defending their line for the final five minutes of the contest.

The mammoth defensive effort eventually ended – with Reimer somehow getting a hand under the ball to deny Savea the match winner – as the Brumbies held off the Hurricanes’ onslaught, despite the All Blacks back rower insisting he had scored.

“I scored it,” an emotional Savea said after the final whistle. “Initially I scored it and then he held me up.

“It came down to that last play and, as much as I disagree, that’s just the way footy goes.

“I’m gutted, but honestly I’m just truly grateful and blessed to be here and play this game for my team, it’s pretty special.”

Kini Naholo got the visitors off to the perfect start as he combined with Savea to score inside two minutes.

But the hosts recovered, scoring three tries through Ollie Sapsford, Jack Debreczini and Len Ikitau alongside a pair of penalties to lead 25-16 at the half.