Beleaguered Brumbies dig deep to see off Hurricanes

Brumbies 21 Hurricanes 16

SYDNEY - The Brumbies dug deep to beat the Hurricanes 21-16 in Canberra and rekindle their Super 14 title hopes last night.

The Brumbies, depleted by injuries and wounded by a heavy loss to Australian arch-rivals New South Wales last weekend, scored first-half tries through centre Stirling Mortlock and halfback George Gregan to lead 15-6 at the interval.

The Hurricanes crossed for a try through winger Lome Fa'atau, but Mortlock kicked two penalties to help the Brumbies hang for a vital win in the face of a late onslaught from the visitors.

The Australian side stayed fourth in the standings, closing the gap on the third-placed Hurricanes to just two points.

Standings after round 11:
CRUSADERS Played 10 Points 42
Waratahs 10 38
HURRICANES 10 34
Brumbies 10 32
Sharks 10 27
CHIEFS 10 27
Bulls 9 23
HIGHLANDERS 10 22
BLUES 10 22
Cheetahs 10 20
Stormers 10 18
Reds 10 17
Cats 9 6
Western Force 10 4

- REUTERS