Brumbies overcome Rebels with 31-23 win

Brumbies 31-23 Rebels, GIO Stadium
Scorecard

Brumbies managed to resist a fightback from Melbourne Rebels as they sealed a 31-23 win in their opening game of Super Rugby AU at GIO Stadium on Saturday.

It took Brumbies just three minutes to get the first points on the board when Folau Fainga'a set up Andy Muirhead over the line for the opening try and Noah Lolesio followed with the conversion making it 7-0.

The Rebels fought their way back aided by indiscipline from Brumbies as Matt Toomua kicked back to back penalties to reduce the arrears to one point.

As the visitors looked to suppress the aggressiveness from Brumbies, their defence was breached by Joe Powell as he crossed over in the 27th minute and they ensured the momentum was on their side heading into the break with the third try coming from Fainga'a at the stroke of half-time and Lolesio improved it.

Brumbies were quick to get off the block after the break with Tom Wright dotting down early making it 24-6 and just when they thought they had the game in control, the visitors went offensive allowing Jordan Uelese to score in the 58th minute.

The Rebels seized on the momentum as Dane Haylett-Petty soon followed in the 63rd minute while Toomua's dual conversion and a penalty made the scoreline 24-23 before Will Miller's final try in the closing stage sealed the game for Brumbies.