Brumbies Escape with Last-Minute Victory as Highlanders Show Frustration with Aussie Referee

This article was originally published on Stuff and is reproduced here with permission

The Highlanders faced yet another disappointing defeat, as their struggling scrum plagued them for the second consecutive week.

Throughout the match, the Highlanders’ set-piece penalties piled up, allowing the Brumbies to eventually grind out a 34-27 victory, even with the Highlanders’ impressive back three managing to score four tries.

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However, their ability to secure wins consistently will be hampered until they resolve their scrum issues, as both Daniel Lienert-Brown and young substitute Josh Bartlett struggled in the absence of All Black Ethan de Groot.

Brumbies winger Corey Toole received a yellow card just moments into the match for a high tackle on Thomas Umaga-Jensen during the kick-off.

Though this presented the Highlanders with an opportunity, any hopes of capitalising were dashed by a lacklustre performance from No.10 Taine Robinson in the first half.

A misdirected pass, two penalties for restarts going out on the full, a dropped high ball, and a missed kick for touch limited the Highlanders’ chances to capitalise on their attacking potential.

Robinson’s display may bolster the case for Cameron Millar, the promising No.10 who is recovering from a concussion sustained against Moana Pasifika in round three.

Millar is set to return to action in Dunedin club rugby this Saturday, and the Highlanders will surely be eager for updates on his progress.

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The Highlanders did manage to score an impressive try after 10 minutes, with breakout star Tangitau finishing off a play created by Sam Gilbert and Jona Nareki.

No.11 Nareki was outstanding throughout the match, deftly evading multiple defenders with his agile footwork.

Yet, the Highlanders’ attacking efforts were repeatedly thwarted by the Brumbies at the breakdown, where both forwards and backs secured vital turnovers.

The visitors showed their frustration with the rulings of Australian referee Jordan Lay, as the penalty count stood at 9-5 in favour of the Brumbies by half-time.

As expected, the scrum faced intense scrutiny against Wallabies veterans Allan Alaalatoa and James Slipper, with Lienert-Brown initially under pressure, followed by Bartlett, who faced a similar fate.

The penalties awarded at scrum time provided the Brumbies with opportunities to build pressure, allowing front-rowers Billy Pollard and Alaalatoa to score from close range.

The Highlanders’ attacking potential was highlighted in the third quarter with tries from Gilbert and Nareki, and Tangitau looked explosive with every touch of the ball.

However, the standout performer for the Highlanders was No.7 Veveni Lasaqa. The 22-year-old flanker showcased his dynamism on both attack and defence.

Lasaqa was omnipresent at defensive rucks and made numerous strong carries out wide.

While captain Timoci Tavatavanawai, Nathan Hastie, and Sean Withy all played pivotal roles, the Highlanders’ scrum struggles allowed the Brumbies to escape when the home side was trailing 22-20.

In the closing ten minutes, tries from Andy Muirhead and Len Ikitau, attributed to set-piece prowess, left the Highlanders facing significant challenges ahead of their match against the Western Force in Perth next week.