The Western Force has been denied a potentially historic Super Rugby Pacific season opening win against the ACT Brumbies at GIO Stadium in Canbera following a last-minute try in a 29-23 loss.
Despite dominant periods throughout the match, particular from set-pieces, the Brumbies ultimately proved too clinical in a thrilling contest.
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It was a very lively start from the Force, with the lineout proving fruitful from the hands of newly-appointed captain Feleti Kaitu’u.
The Force opened the scoring at the 15 minute mark, with scrum-half Ian Prior converting a penalty after the Brumbies were judged to be offside.
The Brumbies responded swiftly, with winger Tom Wright crossing the line two minutes later. Noah Lolesio converted to bring the score to 7-3 in favour of the hosts after 19 minutes.
Tim Anstee went agonisingly close to regaining a Force lead after a barnstorming run, but the number eight was held up after crashing over.
The Force were rewarded for sustained pressure after 28 minutes, as Prior narrowed the deficit to 7-6 with a second successful penalty goal.
Force’s dominance in possession continued throughout the half, with over 100 more metres gained and over double the number of carries compared to the Brumbies.
Lolesio (39 minutes) and Prior (42 minutes) traded penalty goals in the dying stages of the first half, with the Force trailing by a solitary point at half time (10-9).
Force continued to trouble the Brumbies defence immediately after the break. Winger Toni Pulu scored a fantastic team try following Force debutant Manasa Mataele’s superb line break and quick hands from Richard Kahui and Jake Strachan with 42 minutes played (10-16). Prior maintained his 100% accuracy with a successful conversion to open a six point lead for the Force.
The Brumbies fought back with their second try of match, as Folau Fainga’a crossing over after 46 minutes. Lolesio added the conversion to bring the score to 17-16 to the home team.
The Canberra-based side added a third try with 57 minutes played following a rolling maul. Lolesio was unsuccessful with the conversion attempt, as the score read 22-16 with 23 minutes remaining.
Powerful work from Ollie Callan carved open space for Fergus Lee-Warner, with the towering lock skilfully offloading to Jake McIntyre, who crossed over and converted to give the Force a 23-22 lead in the 77th minute.
The thrilling contest continued to the very end, with the Brumbies pouncing on possession and scoring a match-winning try through Lachlan Lonergan with 78 minutes played, which was converted by Lolesio after the final siren. The last-minute play gave the Brumbies a 29-23 victory.
The Force leave Canberra with a bonus point in hand and heads held high following a promising opening round performance.
Next up, Tim Sampson’s squad take on the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park on Saturday, 26 February.
Scorers:
Western Force – Tries: Toni Pulu (42'), Jake McIntyre (75'). Penalties: Ian Prior (3). Conversions: Ian Prior, Jake McIntyre.
ACT Brumbies– Tries: Andy Muirhead (17'), Folau Fainga'a (46'), Rory Scott (57') and Lachlan Lonergan (78'). Penalties: Noah Lolesio. Conversions: Noah Lolesio (3).
