The Brumbies will wave the Australian flag at Super Rugby Pacific one more week after a comeback victory in the quarterfinals against the Hurricanes on Saturday night.
Key points:
- The Brumbies will face the Blues at Eden Park in the semifinals
- They lost 22-15 at the break, but stormed home to advance in style
- This is the first time the Brumbies have beaten a New Zealand team in a playoff game since 2014
While the weekend marked the end of the road for the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds, the Brumbies bounced back from a 10-point deficit in the second half to win 35-25 and claim their place in the four finals.
They will now be preparing for one of the toughest tests in rugby, a trip to Eden Park to fight the Blues for a place in the final.
The Hurricanes had led 22-15 at halftime after two tries and a lethal penalty from Jordie Barrett, but a rare foul by the All Blacks star turned the game around early in the second.
Noah Lolesio cut the lead to four points with a penalty on time and took the lead shortly after, a Nick Frost run that ended with winger Tom Banks cutting the line and scoring.
Tom Wright put the ball on a plate for him and instead of hitting it with his right foot it cannoned of his left shin wide of the goal.
The huge result breaks the Brumbies’ three-game losing streak and makes them dream of their first trans-Tasman title since 2004.
It is also the first time a New Zealand team has won a playoff game since 2014.
A not-so-secret weapon had emerged early in the competition, with Barrett punching long-range kicks, including from within his own half, but the All Black star raised it even further with a cross kick. divine that found defender Josh Moorby to score. 11-3.
The Brumbies had put themselves on the board through a Lolesio penalty and showed their intention with some great early hits, but this proved part of their destruction, with a shoulder load from Len Ikitau piercing Barrett and worth a red card in the 22nd minute.
Controversially, the Canes lost Owen Franks from a high shot over Lolesio, but his was judged as a yellow card instead of a red one.
However, Folau Fainga’a made a spectacular save. Iraola Simone was the replacement.
But the visitors went halfway ahead, Moorby doubled late, cut the line and took advantage of his pace to find the corner for a 22-15 lead.
AAP