Brumbies first to score two wins on the road

By WYNNE GRAY

Brumbies 23 Reds 15

The Brumbies have been at the cutting edge of the Super 12 for a number of seasons.

Their clinical ball recycling, cluster groupings on attack, decoy runners and exhilarating backline moves have all helped to raise the standards in the competition.

They added another mark last night at Ballymore in Brisbane when they became the first side this season to win two games away from home.

It was the 30th match in this year's series and only the fourth game in which the visiting team has triumphed.

It was not a pretty match. It was like watching a lengthy session on the tackle bags, but it was the sort of victory the Brumbies will cherish at the halfway stage of the tournament.

They spoiled Reds skipper Daniel Herbert's 100th match for his state and added a precious away scalp to the victory they claimed earlier against the Cats in Johannesburg.

The Brumbies scored a try in each half and missed another couple when players were held up over the line. In contrast, the Reds did not threaten the tryline and needed a run of penalties to keep in the match.

They should have been able to put more pressure on the Brumbies, but Nathan Spooner goaled only half of his eight shots.

Brumbies wing Graeme Bond squeezed in at the corner in the first half while the Reds were a man down with flanker Matt Cockbain in the sinbin for dangerous play in the lineout.

A rare Stephen Larkham drop goal came after the break, but the game had little flow.

The Reds scarcely let the ball wide, preferring to batter round the fringes, while the Brumbies were also quite conservative.

But near the end as heavy rain hit the park the Reds defence could not gather a Larkham grubber which bounced kindly for Mark Bartholomeuz to gather and stroll over.

Meanwhile, Herbert, the Wallabies centre, has committed himself to the 2003 World Cup after signing a two-year deal with the Reds.

The deal ensures Herbert will not follow the well-trod path of other former Wallabies who have gone to Europe lured by lucrative contracts.

"Rugby was never about money [to me] and I'm looking forward to being part of the Wallabies campaign to defend the cup."

Herbert said he wanted to stay in Queensland and continue to be a part of the direction the Reds were taking under new coach Mark McBain.

"Being part of the Reds' Super 10 win in 1995 has been one of the highlights of my career and I'd love to win a Super 12 with Queensland."

McBain said: "He has led the team well in John Eales' absence this year and he's going to be vital for us over the next two years."

Brumbies 23 (G Bond, M Bartholomeuz, tries; S Mortlock 2 pen, 2 con, S Larkham drop goal)

Reds 15 (N Spooner 4 pen, S Drahm, pen). HT: 13-12.