Brumbies outclassed by Blues
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The Brumbies have gone down to the Blues at Eden Park after a brutally clinical display from the home side.
Three unanswered second half tries meant the Brumbies succumbed to their third loss on tour in New Zealand, on the night where skipper Allan Alaalatoa played his 100th game for the club, joined by Tom Cusack who reached the half century in Brumbies colours.
The Blues came out firing in the first half, shifting the point of contact off hard work from their forward pack.
A try would come through Kurt Eklund despite a dubious transfer at the lineout. Otere Black’s conversion made it 7-0 early.
Noah Lolesio pulled three back from the boot and the Brumbies began to get a foothold in the game.
Connal McInerney ,in his first start back from injury, would then cross at the back of a rolling maul to give the Brumbies the lead, though the Blues came back almost moments later.
Black levelled from the tee, and halfback Finlay Christie scored from a wonderful solo effort at the stroke of half time with the home side ahead 17-10 heading into the sheds.
The Blues picked up where they left the action in the second period, winger Bryce Heem darting over from in close. 24-10 after the conversion meant it was a long way back for the visitors.
Heem’s wing partner AJ Lam would be next to cross, sneaking in for a good try. Black made no mistake with the extras.
TJ Faiane crossed in the 71st minute, taking full advantage of the extra player after Folau Fainga’a went to the bin.
A tough night on a milestone occasion for two of the Brumbies leaders, the side will look to recover and look forward to Pasifika Round at GIO Stadium next Saturday against the Hurricanes.
Brumbies 10 (T: McInerney; C: Lolesio; P: Lolesio) def by Blues 38 (T: Eklund, Christie, Heem, Lam, Faiane; C: Black 5; P: Black)
