The Emirates Western Force have staged a tremendous fightback in overcoming a 22 point deficit to beat the Brumbies 29-22 at Subiaco Oval in Perth tonight.

Lead by inspirational flyhalf Matt Giteau, the WA side looked shell-shocked in the first 30 minutes, but hit back with four tries to reward the loyal crowd of 21,350 with a memorable victory.

The Brumbies burst out of the blocks, with Francis Fainifo scoring twice while Mark Gerrard and Adam Ashley-Cooper also crossed to open up a 22-0 lead after just 27 minutes.

Seventeen year old James O’Connor scored the first try of his Super Rugby career to put the Emirates Western Force on the score board to cut the gap to 22-7 at half time.

The home team came out with a different attitude after the half time break, and Josh Tatupu made the hard work pay off when he crossed in the 46th minute. The try was also Tatupu’s first at this level.

Giteau lifted the team spirits even further, scoring a wonderful individual try under the posts. His conversion from right in front made the score 22-19.

Chris O’Young’s try in the 59th minute, and Giteau’s successful conversion, gave the Emirates Western Force the lead for the first time.

Giteau added a penalty goal in the 64th minute to give his side a 29-22 lead, which they held on to until the full time whistle.

2nd Min: Try to the Brumbies scored by Francis Fainifo. Converted by Stirling Mortlock. Brumbies lead 7-0.

6th Min: Try to the Brumbies scored by Mark Gerrard. Not converted by Mortlock. Brumbies lead 12-0.

19th Min: Try to the Brumbies scored by Fainifo. Not converted by Mortlock. Brumbies lead 17-0.

25th Min: Emirates Western Force – Kieran Longbottom replaces Troy Takiari.

27th Min: Try to the Brumbies scored by Adam Ashley-Cooper. Not converted by Mortlock. Brumbies lead 22-0.

33rd Min: Try to the Emirates Western Force scored by James O’Connor. Converted by Matt Giteau. Brumbies lead 22-7.

HALF TIME SCORE: Emirates Western Force 7 Brumbies 22

44th Min: Emirates Western Force – Troy Takiari replaces Kieran Longbottom (Blood Bin).

45th Min: Emirates Western Force – Sam Wykes replaces David Pusey.

46th Min: Try to Emirates Western Force scored by Josh Tatupu. Not converted by Giteau.

49th Min: Try to Emirates Western Force scored by Giteau. Converted by Giteau.

50th Min: Emirates Western Force – Kieran Longbottom replaces Troy Takiari (Blood Bin return).

59th Min: Try to the Emirates Western Force scored by Chris O’Young. Conversion by Giteau. Emirates Western Force lead 26-22.

64th Min: Penalty goal to Emirates Western Force scored by Giteau. Emirates Western Force lead 29-22.

FULL TIME: Emirates Western Force 29 Brumbies 22

Emirates Western Force 29 (O’Connor, Tatupu, Giteau, O’Young tries. Giteau 3 cons, 1 pen)

Brumbies 22 (Fainifo 2, Ashley-Cooper, Gerrard tries, Mortlock con)