Match Centre: Brumbies 16-12 Reds

Brumbies 16-12 Reds, GIO Stadium

Brumbies maintained their perfect start in the ongoing Super Rugby Pacific competition as they edged out Reds 16-12 in the latest clash at GIO Stadium.

The result meant Brumbies now have five wins from as many games as they are at top of the table with 22 points while Reds have lost their first game and are at second position.

Noah Lolesio started the proceedings for the hosts with a 14th minute penalty goal before Queensland Reds responded back in the 25th minute as James O'Connor scored under the posts and also followed with the conversion to make it 3-7.

The home side seized back the lead with this time as Tom Wright made a sensational effort to dot down in the 29th minute and Lolesio followed with the extras.

Scrum penalties from either side meant the teams received warning from referee Damon Murphy as the opening half ended with Brumbies having a slender 10-7 lead.

Jahrome Brown thought he scored in the 55th minute but was turned down after consulting with a TMO before Brumbies managed another penalty goal from Nic White to extend their lead to 13-7.

The 57th minute saw Brumbies reduced to 14 players as Darcy Swain was sin-binned for repeated infringements and the visitors made use of the numerical advantage as Nasser scored shortly to make it 13-12. O'Connor missed out on the conversion as Reds were trailing by one point.

Matt Lucas with his 66th minute penalty goal provided cushion for Brumbies extending their lead to four points and as the closing stage was nearing Reds had a final chance when captain Fraser McReight kicked the ball forward but he could not gather it when it hit the post and bounced back for the Brumbies to ground it in goal.

Team line up:

Brumbies XV: 15. Tom Banks, 14. Tom Wright, 13. Len Ikitau, 12. Irae Simone, 11. Andy Muirhead, 10. Noah Lolesio 9. Nic White, 8. Pete Samu, 7. Jahrome Brown, 6. Rob Valetini, 5. Nick Frost 4. Darcy Swain, 3. Allan Alaalatoa (c), 2. Folau Fainga'a, 1. James Slipper

Reserves: 16. Connal McInerney, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Sefo Kautai, 19. Tom Hooper, 20. Luke Reimer, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Rodney Iona, 23. Jesse Mogg

Reds XV: 15. Jordan Petaia, 14. Jock Campbell, 13. Hunter Paisami, 12. Hamish Stewart, 11. Josh Flook, 10. James O'Connor, 9. Kalani Thomas, 8. Harry Wilson, 7. Fraser McReight (co-c), 6. Seru Uru, 5. Angus Blyth, 4. Ryan Smith, 3. Taniela Tupou, 2. Josh Nasser, 1. Dane Zander

Reserves: 16. Matt Faessler, 17. Harry Hoopert, 18. Feao Fotuaika, 19. Connor Vest, 20. Liam Wright (co-c), 21. Spencer Jeans, 22. Lawson Creighton, 23. Isaac Henry