Lasseters.com – Stirling Mortlock
March 24, 2009 11:00 am Rugby Unionwww.lasseters.com – Stirling Mortlock has made a last gasp conversion for the second week in a row to hand the Brumbies a second consectuive victory, this time over the Crusaders.
In a match which lived up to expectations, the Brumbies won a heart-stopping affair 18-16 against arch-rivals the Crusaders after fullback Mark Gerrard levelled the scores with a try in the dying seconds of the match.
Last week, the Brumbies beat the Highlanders with a a drop goal in the final minutes.
Brumbies coach Andy Friend said it was again encouraging to see his side play out a full match.
Friend will be well pleased with his sides excellent start to the season after a below average season last year saw the Brumbies miss out on the finals.
A handful of Brumbie players have cut their teeth on the international scene and have been providing extra firepower in a new look Brumbies outfit.
Despite missing All Blacks trio Richie McCaw, Brad Thorn and Leon MacDonald, the Crusaders showed the depth they are renowned for, holding in their own at the breakdown.
The sides traded blows throughout a scrappy first half, scoring a try a piece with Crusaders star centre Casey Lualala and Brumbies No.10 Christian Lealiifano both crossing the line, but it was the visitors that went to the break in front 11-8.
The Brumbies played their best rugby late in the second half, with Gerrard a standout.
But it was Mortlock who stepped up to clinch victory with a conversion from wide out in windy conditions before a crowd of 17,500. lasseters.com
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