Brumbies snatch 30-27 win over Blues

Brumbies 30-27 Blues, Canberra

Charlie Cale scored after the siren as the ACT Brumbies edged the Blues 30-27 in a dramatic Super Rugby Pacific clash in Canberra. The last-gasp try preserved the Brumbies’ unbeaten start to the season and ended the Blues’ seven-year winning run in the capital.

Fast start and swift response

The Brumbies opened the scoring in the sixth minute when prop James Slipper launched a long kick downfield that was gathered by Declan Meredith, who finished smartly. The Blues responded immediately, with Caleb Clarke intercepting an Ollie Sapsford pass to score under the posts.

Hooker Billy Pollard restored the home side’s lead after forcing his way over from close range. However, the visitors struck back before halftime when outside centre AJ Lam powered through multiple defenders to level the scores at 15-15 at the break.

Blues take control

The Blues gained momentum in the second half. A potential try to Blake Schoupp was ruled out for a knock-on in the build-up, and the visitors capitalised soon after. Cole Forbes sparked an attack down the right before Clarke crossed for his second try.

Dalton Papali’i marked his milestone appearance with a try in the 62nd minute, helping the Blues establish a nine-point lead with 10 minutes remaining.

Cale seals dramatic finish

The turning point came when Stephen Perofeta was shown a yellow card in the 70th minute. The Brumbies quickly took advantage, with Luke Reimer scoring to close the gap.

With the final play unfolding after the siren, the Brumbies drove deep into Blues territory. Cale initially fumbled near the line but recovered from the ruck to ground the ball and secure a 30-27 victory in front of a relieved home crowd.

Team line up:

Brumbies: 15 Andy Muirhead, 14 Ollie Sapsford, 13 Kadin Pritchard, 12 David Feliuai, 11 Corey Toole, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan (captain), 8 Charlie Cale, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Lachie Shaw, 3 Rhys van Nek, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 James Slipper

Reserves: 16 Liam Bowron, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Tevita Alatini, 19 Toby Macpherson, 20 Luke Reimer, 21 Klayton Thorn, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Hudson Creighton

Blues: 15 Zarn Sullivan,14 Cole Forbes, 13 AJ Lam,12 Pita Akhi, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papali’i (captain), 6 Anton Segner, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Laghlan McWhannell, 3 Marcel Renata, 2 Kurt Eklund, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi

Reserves: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Sam Matenga, 19 Josh Beehre, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Taufa Funaki, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai