Brumbies Storm Home At Dreaded House Of Pain

Sun Herald

Sunday May 6, 2007

By RUPERT GUINNESS

BRUMBIES 29

HIGHLANDERS 10

THE Brumbies last night pulled off an amazing last-gasp effort to record their first win against the Highlanders at Carisbrook and finish their regular season on a high.

After results on Friday, when the Chiefs overpowered the Crusaders and the Blues demolished the Force, the Brumbies were left needing to win with a bonus point to stay alive - at least for a few more hours.

They did so in dramatic style, only securing the crucial bonus when Mark Chisholm touched down after the siren, with 82 minutes on the clock.

The Brumbies had given themselves a chance - but they walked off knowing that, to make the finals, they still needed the Reds to do the unthinkable: beat the Bulls in Pretoria overnight.

When reminded that his team's fate was in the hands of the rock-bottom Queenslanders, Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher said with a smile: "Yes . . . and that's not a good thing.

"We were disappointed we didn't score earlier in the second half. [But] to come to a place where we haven't won . . . and to have such a comprehensive first half on the back of some disappointing results last night [Friday], was a credit to the players.

"Scoring a try early really energised the side. But then we again fell flat during that second half. There was pressure knowing we need that bonus point."

George Gregan then revealed he had phoned Reds coach Eddie Jones in Pretoria to wish him well. "I told him, 'We really hope you can beat the Bulls and finish off your season on a high'. He had a bit of a chuckle and he said, 'Congratulations'."

Last night not only marked the likely last Super 14 game for Gregan (136 Super games) Stephen Larkham (116), and Jeremy Paul (112), but also for HighlandersCarl Hayman, Clarke Dermody, Anton Oliver, Josh Blackie and Felipo Levi.

BRUMBIES 29 (J Huxley, A Ashley-Cooper, S Mortlock, M Chisholm tries; Mortlock 2 goals, pen, S Larkham goal) beat HIGHLANDERS 10 (J Kawau try; N Evans goal, pen) in Dunedin. Referee: Craig Joubert (RSA).

© 2007 Sun Herald

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