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Force, Brumbies draw

05/21/2011 02:05:25 PM

The ACT Brumbies have held on against a tremendous amount of Western Force pressure for a 13-all draw in their mistake-riddled Super Rugby match at nib Stadium in Perth.

The Force dominated the majority of the match and had countless chances to add to Sam Wykes' first half try, but they couldn't take advantage of their pressure as they suffered their second home draw of the season.

Both sides had an opportunity to win it in a thrilling finish, but Matt Giteau's drop goal attempt after the siren was charged down.

The Force were then able to take possession and earned a penalty, but James O'Connor missed the attempt from beyond the halfway line and the Brumbies held on.

Both teams regularly made ball-handling errors, but the Brumbies produced a far more spirited performance following the scathing criticism of coach Tony Rea one week ago.

The visitors gallantly defended against the Force, who controlled the possession and territory for most of the match. That ensured Henry Speight's early try, as well as Giteau's conversion and two penalty goals, were enough to hold on for the draw.

O'Connor slotted one conversion and two penalties for the match.

Another bright spot for the Brumbies was the return of Rocky Elsom's from a six-month injury layoff. The Wallabies captain suffered a knock 50 minutes in but survived to last the full 80 minutes.

The Brumbies made a great start when Pat McCabe broke through and passed to Speight on his outside for the try just three minutes in, before Giteau converted.

It was a nightmare start for the Force, who also lost prop Pek Cowan after a head-clash in the opening minutes with fellow forward Nathan Charles.

But the WA side levelled after they built pressure near their own line and were able to work the ball to Wykes for the try in the corner.

Despite threatening for much of the half, the home side was unable to add another first half try and the two teams went to the break tied at 10-all after Giteau and O'Connor each scored a penalty goal.

O'Connor appeared to have given his side the lead with 20 minutes left when he crossed the line, but the television match official ruled he lost the ball as he went over.

O'Connor then nailed a penalty from the touchline with 10 minutes to give the Force the lead, only for Giteau to level the score again with a penalty two minutes later to set up a frantic finish.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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