Hodge kicks Rebels to thrilling 19-17 win over Brumbies

Rebels 19-17 Brumbies, AAMI Park
Scorecard

Reece Hodge kicked 14 points including the decisive penalty in the closing stage as Rebels edged out Brumbies with a thrilling 19-17 victory in their Super Rugby clash at AAMI Park on Saturday.

Hodge started the proceedings with a ninth minute penalty for Rebels and soon the lead swelled to 10 points after a touchdown from Sefanaia Naivalu and a conversion from the fullback.

However, Rebels suffered a major setback when Hodge and Colby Fainga'a were sin-binned in the 16th minute which was capitalised by Brumbies as they scored their first points through a try from Henry Speight.

Brumbies further upped the ante when number eight Jarrad Butler touched down in the 33rd minute and a conversion from Wharenui Hawera. A second penalty from Hodge ensured Rebels took a one point lead heading into half time.

Rebels got punished for their indiscipline once again as Fereti Sa'aga was sin-binned in the 42nd minute and Henry Speight scored a try to take the visitors to four point fronnt.

But, Hodge held his nerve and added two more penalties in the 59th and 77th minutes to complete a two point win for Rebels. This was also their first win this season and continue to be at the bottom in Australian Conference.