Brumbies Snatch Victory from Blues in Thrilling Finish

A dramatic late-game try from Charlie Cale secured a 30-27 victory for the ACT Brumbies over the Blues at GIO Stadium in Canberra on March 16, 2024. The win propelled the Brumbies to the top of the Super Rugby Pacific table, while the Blues faced their second loss of the season.

The match unfolded as a tense battle, with both teams exchanging tries throughout. The Brumbies initially took the lead with a try from Declan Meredith in the seventh minute, followed by scores from Billy Pollard and Luke Reimer. The Blues responded fiercely, with Caleb Clarke scoring two tries and AJ Lam adding another, allowing them to enter halftime tied at 15-15.

As the second half progressed, the Blues surged ahead 27-23 with a try from Dalton Papali’i, marking his 100th game. However, a yellow card for Stephen Perofeta in the 71st minute gave the Brumbies the upper hand. Despite being down to 14 players, the Blues held their ground until the final moments.

With just seconds remaining, the Brumbies capitalized on a critical ruck penalty, allowing them to mount a final offensive. Cale’s game-winning try came in the 82nd minute, sealing the match and sending the home crowd into a frenzy. This victory marked the Brumbies’ third win of the season, leaving them with 14 points from three matches.

The Blues, now with a record of 1-2 and 6 points, showcased resilience and skill despite the loss. Clarke’s stellar performance included two tries and a game-high 108 meters gained, demonstrating his return to form after a scoring drought. Papali’i’s leadership and defensive efforts were also commendable, as he made 18 tackles and scored a try.

Despite the defeat, Papali’i expressed pride in his team’s effort, acknowledging the need for improvement in closing out matches. “We knew it was going to be a dogfight… I can’t fault the effort, but we need to look at ourselves in the last 10 minutes,” he stated.

The match highlighted the competitive spirit of the Super Rugby Pacific, with both teams displaying determination and skill. The Brumbies will now look to build on this momentum, while the Blues aim to regroup and refine their strategies as the season progresses.