Super Rugby: Rebels rally to stun Brumbies, Hurricanes leave it late

Rob Lancaster

Super Rugby: Rebels rally to stun Brumbies, Hurricanes leave it late image

The Rebels rallied to beat the Brumbies while Beauden Barrett kicked the Hurricanes to a last-gasp victory over the Highlanders in Friday's Super Rugby action.

Brumbies appeared on course to end their Australian rivals' unbeaten start when they led 19-3 at the interval, with their opponents having both Adam Coleman and Matt Gibbon yellow carded in the first half.

However, Marika Koroibete's try straight after the break sparked a stunning comeback.

Fellow winger Jack Maddocks also touched down and while Rob Valetini hit back by crossing at the other end, Rebels were the team on top.

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Will Genia darted over from close range after taking a quick tap penalty and Maddocks secured victory with his second try of the game, Quade Cooper converting via an upright having set up the game-winning score.

Earlier, fly-half Barrett held his nerve with a penalty after the final hooter had sounded to secure Hurricanes a dramatic 25-22 triumph at the end of a see-saw encounter in Wellington.

Centre Ngani Laumape crossed twice in the first half as the hosts led 14-8 at the break, though Highlanders had scored first when Aaron Smith touched down in the 11th minute.

Highlanders hit back after the interval with tries through Sio Tomkinson, who picked off a pass from Barrett to reach the line, and Liam Coltman, Marty Banks converting both to put his side 22-14 ahead with an hour gone.

Ben Lam's 71st-minute try levelled the score at 22-22 and while Barrett failed with the conversion attempt from out wide, he was on target to punish Highlanders for an infringement at a ruck as time expired.

Hurricanes lead the way in the overall table but the unbeaten Rebels sit just a point behind them after a thrilling 29-26 win, their third in a row at the start of the season.

 

Rob Lancaster