Brumbies’ Tuiana Taii Tualima Sin-Binned for ‘Massive Tackle’ as Hurricanes Snap Eight-Year Losing Streak in Canberra

This article originally appeared on Stuff and is reproduced with permission

The Hurricanes unleashed their attacking prowess against the Brumbies, finally breaking their drought in Canberra with a crucial win at GIO Stadium on Saturday night.

Things took a turn for the worse for the Brumbies when Tuiana Taii Tualima was shown a yellow card for a high tackle, compounding their struggles throughout the match.

Wingers Kini Naholo and Ngane Punivai were instrumental, contributing four of the Hurricanes’ five tries in a thrilling 35-29 win. This victory also marked the end of a six-match losing streak on the road against the Brumbies.

They were fortunate to secure their first triumph in Australia’s capital since 2017, as they scored a try through Punivai in the first half that was nearly thwarted by a forward pass.

It seemed that the ball had drifted forward from second five-eighth Riley Higgins’ hands before Brad Shields managed to find Punivai for the score.

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This hard-fought win, achieved at a venue that has posed significant challenges, propelled the Hurricanes back into the top six, rising from eighth to fifth place with four rounds left in the competition.

Billy Proctor showcased his abilities during his first start of the season, having missed the initial nine rounds due to an Achilles injury.

The All Blacks centre opened the scoring with the first try of the match and made a crucial defensive intercept when the Brumbies were on the offensive in the second half.

It’s clear that the wingers flourished playing alongside Proctor.

Ruben Love improved his performance as he made his second start at first five-eighth, showing greater influence than in last week’s match against the Western Force.

The regular fullback delivered a perfectly timed kick to set up a brilliant try for Naholo just before the half-time break.

Callum Harkin won the sprint to the ball and passed quickly to send Naholo on his way without resistance.

Love was temporarily withdrawn for a head injury assessment after receiving a shoulder strike from Tuiana Taii Tualima, resulting in a 10-minute sin bin period for the Brumbies’ No. 8.

“They charged up and delivered a big hit…he’s holding his cheek,” commentator Sean Moloney remarked during the Stan Sport broadcast.

Justin Harrison added: “It’s reasonable… any head contact crosses the threshold for a yellow card”.

Nonetheless, Love was cleared to return to the match after the Hurricanes scored their fifth try.

In the final ten minutes, Brumbies winger Andy Muirhead scored a late try, with Noah Lolesio converting from the sideline to narrow the deficit to six points.

However, a high tackle on replacement Jacob Devery allowed the Hurricanes to select a corner kick, buying them precious time to stave off any further Brumbies attack.

With two minutes remaining, the Brumbies had possession but found themselves unable to escape their own defensive 22, ultimately losing possession as the ball was thrown out of play.