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ACT Brumbies are last unbeaten team in Super 15 after gobbling up the Sharks 29-10

By: The Associated Press

Saturday, Mar. 16, 2013 at 12:58 PM | Comments: 0

DURBAN, South Africa - The ACT Brumbies became the last unbeaten team in Super 15 rugby after brushing aside the previously undefeated Sharks 29-10 at Kings Park on Saturday.

The Australian conference leaders effectively secured victory in a brilliant first-half blitz of support play, when they scored their fourth bonus-point try to lead 26-3 after 34 minutes.

Backs Jesse Mogg, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua and Henry Speight scored the tries after the sweat provided by a powerful pack, which dominated and intimidated the subdued Sharks. Deprived of ball and trapped in their half, the Sharks were virtually toothless in the first 40 minutes.

The Brumbies carried their big lead into halftime, then allowed the Sharks only a converted try, their first try in three games. Rain in the second half contributed to the Brumbies cooling off in their fourth straight win.

"We're extremely happy, Kings Park is not an easy place to come and win," Brumbies captain Ben Mowen said. "We know that against the Sharks you have to be really physical and I was happy with our effort."

No. 8 Fotu Auelua helped to set up both of ACT's first two tries. After multiple phases, Auelua dragged in three defenders, and quick passing on the blind gave Mogg a free run into the right corner in the fifth minute.

Seven minutes later, after another sustained buildup, Auelua's offload in a double tackle sent winger Tomane into the left corner.

Pat Lambie's penalty in the 19th rewarded the Sharks' first real touch of the ball, but a turnover soon after was counterattacked by the Brumbies and flyhalf Toomua ended up scoring.

The Brumbies pack then twisted the Sharks off their scrum ball, and right winger Speight beat three defenders into the corner.

After the break, Kankowski scored for the Sharks after a succession of penalties in ACT's 22, but Kankowski also conceded the penalty which ACT inside centre Christian Lealiifano kicked over to finish with nine points.

"We're not happy with the performance, we were passive in defence and you can't play catchup rugby in the second half like we did," Sharks skipper Keegan Daniel said. "It's very tough defending all the time, it takes a lot out of you, we also couldn't create pressure and if you don't hold onto the ball you can't win games. The Brumbies were accurate and held onto the ball for long periods and stressed our defence out wide. I'm proud of the way we put our hands up in the second half but it wasn't enough."

___

ACT 29 (Jesse Mogg, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Henry Speight tries; Christian Lealiifano 3 conversions, penalty), Sharks 10 (Ryan Kankowski try; Pat Lambie conversion, penalty). HT: 26-3

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