Tough trip to Australia this week. The boys went down in nail-biting fashion to the Brumbies at GIO Stadium in Canberra – our last dance on foreign soil for the 2024 season.
We return home reflective and resolute. The remainder of the season remains in the balance and we call on our members and fans to rally around our boys and show strength in the stands when we face the Blues and Moana Pasifika in the coming weeks.
The score after 80 minutes was 31-24, the Brumbies awarded a penalty try at the absolute death. A spectacular punt from Chay Fihaki in the 75th minute brought the scores level at 24 a piece. A penalty in the last seconds to the Brumbies glanced off the uprights and landed in a cluster of hands. It was deemed to have been deliberately knocked dead, denying the Brumbies an apparent sure try – the penalty giving our boys a yellow and the Aussie hosts seven points.
The rub of the green went against the red and black once again and we return home with a losing bonus point.
Some moments to make us proud:
- The huge effort from the front row, with special mention to Fletcher Newell. The 24-year-old prop showed strength and grit in the scrum alongside Joe Moody and captain Codie Taylor. Newell came off after 62 minutes. Massive shift.
- Taine Robinson debuting in the 64th minute in jersey 23, coming on to replace Jone Rova. A proud moment for the 24-year-old and. Crusader #292 now and forever.
- Noah Hotham running through absolute space in the Brumbies defence to dot down in the 68th minute, making it easy for Fergus Burke to add the extras
- THAT kick from Chay Fihaki in the 75th to even up the score. Well over 50 metres and with gusty Canberra conditions. The 23-year-old continues to have one of his best seasons in the jersey, solidifying his claim on both wing and fullback.