Super Rugby: Brumbies storm past Sharks to move into semifinals

The Brumbies have struck, with a 38-13 win over the Sharks to move into a Super Rugby semifinal next weekend against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires.

Forward Peter Samu scored two tries to lead the resurgent Brumbies to a seventh consecutive win.

The Brumbies advanced to their first Super Rugby semifinal in four years, ensuring an Australian presence in the semis.

"I'm really proud — the Sharks threw a lot at us and the way the boys kept digging deep for each other was special," Brumbies captain Christian Leali'ifano said.

"The forwards have been amazing all year, they were challenged again tonight and stepped up and provided a great platform for us."

Backrower Samu scored in the first minute after receiving an inside ball from lock Rory Arnold and dashing 35 meters to cross between the posts. Curwin Bosch got the Sharks on the scoreboard with a 50-metre penalty, but Arnold had his second try assist on 10 minutes when he put Henry Speight into the corner for a 14-3 lead.

The teams traded penalty goals before the Sharks conceded their first rolling maul try of the season when Samu scored on 24 minutes. The Brumbies held a 24-6 lead at the break but the Sharks closed the gap when Andre Esterhuizen barged through Irae Simone to score in the 56th.

Joe Powell clinched the match when he ran 20 meters to score with eight minutes to go. His replacement, reserve scrumhalf Matt Lucas, scored a try in the final minute.

The Jaguares are also in form, having won 10 of their past 11 games; the Brumbies' most recent loss came against the Argentine side in Buenos Aires eight weeks ago.

- AP