BBC Rugby Union: Brumbies Storm Into Super Rugby Pacific Semi-Finals
Canberra, June 8, 2024 – The ACT Brumbies have secured a place in the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals after a convincing 32-16 victory over the Highlanders in their quarter-final clash at Canberra Stadium.
The Brumbies, who maintained a perfect 10-0 home record in the 2024 season, will now face the high-flying Blues in Auckland in the first semi-final match on Friday night. The Hurricanes will host the Chiefs in the other semi-final in Wellington on Saturday.
It was a hard-fought contest, with the Highlanders taking an early 9-7 lead through a couple of penalty goals from Cameron Millar. However, the Brumbies asserted their dominance in the second half, with tries from winger Andy Muirhead and hooker Billy Pollard sealing the win.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game against the Highlanders, as they are a very physical side. But I thought we took our chances well in the second half to secure the victory.”
— Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa
Standout performers for the Brumbies included John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini, who was influential at the breakdown, and the clinical finishing of Muirhead, who scored a brace of tries.
The victory completed an undefeated home campaign for the Brumbies, but they face a daunting task against the Blues, who have won the last five encounters between the two sides at Canberra Stadium since 2013. The Brumbies will be hoping to end their 20-year title drought with a win over the Blues, but it will be a tough challenge away from their fortress.
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