Brumbies outmuscle Hurricanes 35-28 in Quarter-Final
Brumbies beat Hurricanes 35–28 in Canberra to book Super Rugby semi-final spot against the Chiefs.
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The ACT Brumbies advanced to the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals after defeating the Hurricanes 35–28 in a high-octane quarter-final clash held on June 7, 2025, at GIO Stadium in Canberra.
In front of a passionate home crowd, the Brumbies’ powerful forward play and clinical finishing proved decisive in holding off a determined Hurricanes side.
The action began with intensity as the Hurricanes struck first. In the 7th minute, Ruben Love finished a slick offload from Peter Umaga-Jensen to cross under the posts, putting the visitors 7–0 ahead.
But the Brumbies responded immediately in the 9th minute through Billy Pollard, who finished off a dominant rolling maul to level the score 7–7.
The Hurricanes regained the lead in the 16th minute with a sharp finish from winger Fatafehi Fineanganofo, who dotted down in the corner after a sweeping backline move, making it 14–7.
But the Brumbies’ forwards began to stamp their authority. Captain Allan Alaalatoa bulldozed his way over the line in the 21st minute to level the scores once again.
Then, in the 35th minute, Pollard scored his second try after another strong maul to hand the Brumbies a 21–14 lead going into halftime.
The second half saw the Brumbies strike first again. Just three minutes in, at the 43rd minute mark, fullback Tom Wright ran an inside line off Rob Valetini and sliced through the defense to score under the posts, extending the lead to 28–14.
At this stage, the Brumbies seemed to be in full control.
But the Hurricanes were not done. In the 54th minute, Bailyn Sullivan found a crack in the Brumbies' defense and sprinted through to score, cutting the deficit to 28–21. As the pressure mounted, the Brumbies went back to basics—grinding it out up front.
In the 60th minute, it was James Slipper who finished off a sustained period of forward pressure with a try of his own, restoring the Brumbies' two-try cushion at 35–21.
However, the Hurricanes fought back once again. In the 67th minute, prop Pasilio Tosi powered over from close range, reducing the margin to 35–28 and setting up a tense final ten minutes.
The Brumbies showed composure in the closing stages, retaining possession and kicking deep to keep the Hurricanes pinned in their own half. The final whistle came with the Brumbies camp celebrating a hard-earned victory.
