Brumbies fend off Reds again to hit top Super spot
The ACT Brumbies have shot to the top of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, but it may have come at a cost in their 24-14 defeat of rivals Queensland Reds.
The hosts defied a lack of possession and territory in the first half in Canberra on Saturday, Rob Valetini leading their defence as they forced 12 turnovers.
A fifth straight loss to the Brumbies now has the Reds in danger of slipping out of the top four with two home games remaining.
A lower-leg injury to Brumbies captain and Wallabies warhorse Allan Alaalatoa dampened the mood though, the Test veteran likely sweating on scans, with the British and Irish Lions tour on the horizon.
The Brumbies have a bye next week, then finish their regular season against the Crusaders, who are two points behind and level with the Chiefs in second.
"We were half asleep, the Reds bombed us and we were on the back foot," fullback and try-scorer Tom Wright said.
"Went in, gave ourselves a good look in the mirror and were able to come out with a little bit of what we wanted to do."
Les Kiss's Reds are now just two points ahead of the Hurricanes, who they host next week in Brisbane.
The Reds started clinically, Tate McDermott beating two men at the ruck and setting up Tim Ryan, who picked a pass off his laces to score under the posts.
Alaalatoa had the reply though, his seventh try of the season a typical close-range effort.
Despite entering the Brumbies' 22 seven times in the half, the Reds left with nothing more.
And they were quickly behind 21-7 when Andy Muirhead and Wright found space in a defensive line exposed by a yellow card for Hunter Paisami's high shot on Corey Toole.
Kiss's substitutions had an impact, hooker Josh Nasser scoring from a rolling maul after some go-forward from their fresh forwards.
They had three more chances in open play to find the equaliser but spilt possession each time, and the Brumbies continued to punish every loose Reds pass or poor decision.
A Ryan Lonergan penalty goal pushed the Brumbies out beyond a converted try.
The match finished in bizarre scenes, Wright opting not to find touch and instead dart towards the line.
He was turned over, Kalani Thomas triggering an 80-metre break, before Connor Vest spilt possession with the line in sight.
"We had them right where we wanted them, but we coughed up the ball, and against a team like the Brumbies that'll hurt you," McDermott said.
"Two huge home games for us ... those games decide where we finish, so really important for us."
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