The Brumbies have been beaten by the defending Champion Waratahs 41-8, in round three of Super W at Bankwest Stadium.
Capitalising on counter attack opportunities, the two-time premiers were well-deserved winners on the day, running in a smattering of well-worked tries.
During the week, Brumbies coach Adam Butt called for his side to front up in the face of their biggest challenge of the season, and in the first exchanges the Brumbies took it to the ‘Tahs.
Defensive pressure at the breakdown lead to a penalty, and Sammie Wood calmly dispatched the shot at goal through the sticks.
That seemed to wake the Champions up, and the Waratahs began to gain a foothold in the game. The Brumbies did well to keep the ‘Tahs at bay, but eventually the score came through Wallaroos skipper Grace Hamilton.
Things got even tougher for the Brumbies when star Number 8 Tayla Stanford, was forced to withdraw from the action due to injury.
Still, the Brumbies had their chances, going close on a number of occasions but ultimately, the Waratahs took their opportunities, tacking on two more tries in the first half through Maya Stewart and Chloe Leaupepe.
Taking a 15-3 lead into the sheds, the Waratahs came out for the second hungry for more, and after Stewart bagged her brace, Mahlia Murphy showcased her pace finishing off an eclectic counterattack.
Wallaroo Rebecca Chancellor coming off the bench was next to cross for the home side, scoring another try against the run of play with the Brumbies attacking the ‘Tahs 22m.
Hamilton completed the scoring for the Waratahs, but the Brumbies were never going to give up. Time and again in the last 20 minutes, the Brumbies rammed the Waratahs line with wave after wave of attacks and couldn’t get over the line.
Eventually, the score came, beautiful maul setting up Louise Burrows who provided the finish.
Ultimately, a well-deserved victory for the Waratahs, the champions running out 41-8 winners in Sydney.
Waratahs 41: (T: Stewart 2, Leaupepe, Hamilton 2, Murphy, Chancellor; C: McKenzie 3)
Brumbies 8: (T: Burrows; P: Wood)
