Brumbies Hero Secures Victory
"Hello Eddie?
Yeah, Hux here, I'd just like to thank you for sacking me.
No, no, really.....
No mate that's fine, it seems the change has done me good.
........
........
........
Ok Eddie, well sounds like I may have got you at an emotional time.....
Yeah well mate, thanks again and good luck for your future, you'll need it!!!"
Jeez, what Eddie wouldn't give to have Huxley on his list now hey?!
Brumbies Hero Secures Victory
Brumbies’ fullback Julian Huxley scored all 14 of his team’s points as the Lions had to settle for a bonus point in their 14-9 loss in the Vodacom Super 14, a match they were in right to the very end.
They had to be content with one log point for losing by less than seven points, but that is scant reward for their efforts as they were cruelly denied a victory that would have given their semi-final hopes a boost.
The Brumbies are not two-time champions for nothing, and showed their tenacity to take the best opportunity they created, to score a late try when the game was poised on a knife-edge, the scores tied at nine apiece.
A highlight of the Lions play, aside from the usual high standards they set on defence, was their competing for the ball on the ground, earning more than a handful of steals. 12 turn-overs conceded by the Brumbies told a story of the Lions’ commitment at the breakdown, but they failed to force the advantage.
The Brumbies might be known as a team who know how to take the ball through multiple phases, their patience a virtue, but in this game, not unlike the Lions, continuity was a problem, as both sides seemed unable to come to terms with the resolute defence by their opponents.
There was enterprising, exciting rugby played by both sides, mixing a running game with tactical kicking, and the truth be told, the 6-all half time score was a very accurate reflection of the run of play, although the Lions had probably come closest to scoring.
With the Brumbies earning a penalty after competing on the ground to steal possession, but being denied for “holding on” by the Lions, they managed to get deep inside the Lions’ 22, only to concede a penalty for an identical offence, the referee showing great consistency in policing the laws.
Shortly afterwards, the Lions fed the ball to a flying Louis Ludik after good interplay between backs and forwards, and he raced to within a couple of metres of the tryline before being denied by a try-saving tackle from fullback Julian Huxley.
All 12 first half points were scored in the first quarter of the match, the second characterised by steals, unforced errors and resolute defence from both sides as the two teams traded attack for attack.
The second half action hardly abated, and in fact, both sides, but more so the Lions, stepped up the intensity, but commitment from both sides forced the errors, and momentum for the teams was difficult.
With only five minutes left on the clock, and the Lions looking decidedly dangerous, it was the visitors who had the last say, with Julian Huxley completing the scoring for his team when he went over in the corner to seal victory for his side in the only try of the match.
The Lions will probably feel aggrieved at losing this game, for they probably created more opportunities, but it was the Brumbies who finished the best chance they had and then staved off the Lions’ last gasp efforts.
André Pretorius said afterwards that, “It was a game of missed chances. They had one chance in the second half and took it, that was the difference. The expectations get bigger with us having been winning but we’ll be back next week.”
George Smith admitted that he was, “Very happy with the win, it was a gutsy effort we showed out there, we looked to dominate possession and it showed.”
Coach Eugene Eloff pointed out that there were, “Too many basic mistakes, too many turnovers and too many opportunities lost. We missed our lineouts and that is a great platform for attack. You can’t lose your home games, but we’ll take this on the chin.”
Laurie Fisher, coach of the Brumbies said, “I’m very happy to win two games in South Africa, but we had to work exceptionally hard for it tonight, but it wasn’t a great game for the spectators. The Lions defended magnificently, we battled under pressure, but scrambled a late try. It’s the first time we’ve won two games in a row this season, we just hope to keep it up next week against the Waratahs at home.”
Lions: 9
Penalties: André Pretorius (3)
Brumbies: 14
Tries: Julian Huxley
Penalties: Julian Huxley (2)
Drop Goals: Julian Huxley (1)
