Potential Setback Ahead: Brumbies Surge to Table Summit While Wallabies Star Faces Injury Blow

The ACT Brumbies have ascended to the pinnacle of the Super Rugby Pacific standings following a hard-fought 24-14 triumph over the Queensland Reds in Canberra.

In a chilly encounter on Saturday night, the Brumbies notched their fifth consecutive win against Queensland, further solidifying their reputation as Australia’s premier title contender.

With 43 points, the Brumbies have moved ahead of the Chiefs and Crusaders (both on 41 points) at the top of the table, with only two rounds remaining in the regular season.

However, coach Stephen Larkham’s men have played one more match than their New Zealand counterparts.

“Our game is in good shape,” Larkham remarked to Stan Sport.

“That was our sixth match in succession, and with a bye next weekend, it’s the perfect time for some recovery. We’re at the top of the standings now, and we’ll have to monitor next week’s matches to see where we stand after that.

“It’s definitely the right moment for the players to recharge.”

Larkham was anxiously awaiting news on the fitness of captain Allan Alaalatoa, who had to be assisted off the field by two trainers at GIO Stadium.

The in-form prop appeared to be suffering from a lower leg injury, grimacing in pain as he left the field.

“This could significantly impact the Wallabies, and more importantly, the Brumbies, in the coming weeks,” Tim Horan commented on Stan.

“Allan looks really disappointed, doesn’t he?”

After the game, Larkham was uncertain about the injury’s severity.

“He was in the changing room, still limping,” he noted.

“From what we understood, he seemed to have carried the injury into halftime and wanted to continue. Hopefully, it’s just a cramp rather than something more serious.”

Alaalatoa is a frontrunner for the Wallabies’ No.3 jersey ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour later this year.

He had registered his seventh try of the season in the first half before succumbing to his injury.

Brumbies outside backs Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright found the tryline in the second half to cement the win.

Wright’s score marked his first of the season, despite Muirhead’s suggestion that he could have passed the ball to him instead.

The Queensland side’s tries came from winger Tim Ryan and hooker Josh Nasser.

The Brumbies are set to face the Crusaders on May 30, a match that could have significant implications for the finals.

The fourth-placed Reds will host the fifth-placed Hurricanes on Friday, before wrapping up their regular season against the Fijian Drua on May 31.