Brumbies defy odds to beat Crusaders

Crusaders halfback Justin Marshall is caught by the Brumbies defence during their Super 12 rugby match at Canberra Stadium tonight. Picture / Fotopress

The Brumbies defied odds to beat a largely dominant Crusaders outfit 32-21 in their first Super 12 rugby match of 2005 at Canberra Stadium tonight.

The confident Crusaders side put early pressure on the Brumbies, with strong running by Casey Laulala setting up Andrew Mehrtens for a try inside the first 15 minutes, and the visitors looked set to turn the result of 2004's final on its head.

Despite the loss of lock Ross Filipo to a knee injury, the Crusaders continued to threaten on attack, dominating both possession and territory.

Laulala added another five points, with a try in the 19th minute.

Both tries went unconverted as Daniel Carter seemed to be having a rare off-night with the boot, missing three from three in the first half.

Adding even more pressure to the Brumbies was the first-half departure of both captain Stirling Mortlock and winger Clyde Rathbone with injuries.

There was a team shuffle for the Crusaders after Corey Flynn was sin-binned by referee Mark Lawrence for stomping.

Tone Kopelani was brought on to replace Reuben Thorne who replaced the sin-binned Flynn.

Taking advantage of their one-upmanship, the Brumbies ended the first half strongly with a Radike Samo try and Mark Gerrard conversion, taking the home side to a halftime lead.

A successful penalty attempt by Carter in the early minutes of the second half tied the game up at 13-13, but it wasn't long before the Brumbies broke through the Crusaders' defence and scored a try through No. 8 Scott Fava.

Carter looked to be in better form this half, slotting over a penalty which brought the lead back to within the Crusaders' grasp.

Although the Crusaders put together several phases of ball and retained possession, increasing pressure by the Brumbies stopped them in their tracks and last year's Super 12 champions were rewarded with a second try to Fava.

Another try to Gene Fairbanks sealed the game for the Brumbies, who also took home a bonus point for their four-try effort.

A late try for Justin Marshall on the final siren was a small consolation for the Crusaders.

* Fulltime scoreboard

Brumbies 32 (Scott Fava 2, Radike Samo, Gene Fairbanks tries; Stirling Mortlock 1 pen, Mark Gerrard 1 pen, 3 con)
Crusaders 21 (Andrew Mehrtens, Casey Laulala, Justin Marshall tries; Daniel Carter 2 pen)