Brumbies edge out Reds 28-23 to clinch Super Rugby AU title

Brumbies 28-23 Reds, GIO Stadium
Scorecard

Brumbies managed to hold off Queensland Reds as they sealed a thrilling 28-23 in the final to clinch the Super Rugby AU title at GIO Stadium on Saturday.

Brumbies had been in front in most part of the game and even though they were tested by Reds, their defence saw them through to a five-point victory.

Noah Lolesio started the game with a fifth minute penalty goal but James O'Connor with a three-pointer of his own in the 13th minute helped Reds level the scores.

The opening try of the game came in the 17th minute when Folau Fainga'a crossed over at the back of a line out and Lolesio improved it making the scoreline 10-3 and the home side extended their lead further when fly-half Lolesio offloaded to Andy Muirhead as he dotted down.

Reds responded back around the half-hour mark when Jordan Petaia showed brilliance as he sped past the Brumbies defence before passing it Harry Willson, who touched down while O'Connor kicked the conversion and a penalty as the opening half ended with a 15-13 scoreline.

Brumbies started the second half strong when Banks ran onto a pass from Irae Simone for his side's third try while Lolesio was spot on with the conversion and also kicked a drop goal to extend their lead to 25-13.

Reds suffered a setback in the 50th minute when Filipo Daugunu was yellow-carded for a tip-tackle on Lachlan McCaffrey but the next 10 minutes hardly made a difference to them as Lolesio and O'Connor traded penalties.

A late-try from Andy Blyth in the 64th minute gave Reds hope as the gap between the sides came to five points but Brumbies defence ensured the visitors could not find any more breakthrough.