Blues defeat Brumbies, Allan Alaalatoa on referee, penalties, Beauden Barrett match-winner, field goal
Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa says he won’t be surprised if an “apology” comes his side’s way after the ACT-based side was on the wrong end of a lopsided penalty count in a 21-19 loss to the Blues.
Despite holding just 35 per cent of possession and playing nearly the entire match at the wrong end of the field, the Brumbies on Saturday night produced arguably one of the greatest defensive showings of the season from any Super Rugby side.
The Brumbies, who were playing at home, appeared destined to win when Billy Pollard’s try in the 78th minute saw the Brumbies take a two-point lead, before Noah Lolesio held his nerve with a conversion from the sideline.
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All of this was achieved despite losing the penalty count 16-5 and even having to play with 13 men for nearly three minutes, when both Folau Fainga’a and Darcy Swain were off with yellow cards after mounting penalties late in the first half.
But the Brumbies fell short moments after the sound of the final buzzer when a turnover of possession led to the Blues marching down the field, before All Blacks star Beauden Barrett slotted through a match-winning field goal, with his side on advantage.
“That was almost Test match intensity, the impacts and the see-saw nature,” Barrett told Stan Sport after the win.
“We knew when you come to Canberra you’re in for a hell of a fight and we got that.”
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While the match played out in thrilling fashion, Alaalatoa was left fuming that his side was unable to overcome the pressure caused by the building penalties from referee Damon Murphy.
“In general, our boys showed so much heart tonight, our backs were against the wall throughout the entire game,” Alaalatoa said.
“I think the penalty count was 16-5.
“I think some of those were our fault, but mate, I reckon we will get an apology or something like that later in the week. We will probably send them some videos.”
Alaalatoa said he was hopeful the younger players in the group took a lesson out of the result with finals football around the corner.
“We played most of that first half in our defensive zone and defended our hearts out, and that was similar to the second half,” he added.
“I just don’t feel like we were getting the rub of the green at times.
“At the end of the day, it’s no excuse for us. That’s finals footy for you.
“It’s a good taste for some of our young boys on what’s to come when we get the opportunity later on. I’m proud of the heart we showed.”
The result for the Brumbies makes it two straight losses against New Zealand sides after previously beating the Hurricanes and Chiefs.
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