Super Rugby: Brumbies beat Sharks 16-9 in Canberra
The Sharks stayed top of the overall Super Rugby standings despite a 16-9 defeat to the Brumbies.
Last Updated: 10/05/14 3:17pm
Brumbies lock Sam Carter scored the only try of the game as the home side got back to winning ways following a 40-23 defeat at the Crusaders last time.
Christian Lealiifano also kicked 11 points in the win for the Australian Conference leaders, while Francois Steyn kicked three penalties for the Sharks, who secured a losing bonus point in the defeat.
That point moved the Sharks one clear of defending champions the Chiefs at the top of the overall standings, and two ahead of the Brumbies, who notched their fifth straight win at home this season with the victory.
The return to Canberra for Sharks boss Jake White had given added spice to this top-of-the-table showdown.
But the stop-start match failed to live up to its billing, with a total of 98 kicks and very little ball in hand attacking movements.
The decisive moment came in the 63rd minute when lock Carter surged through a hole in the Sharks defence off a short pass from scrum-half Nic White to score his try.
Springbok goalkicker Steyn missed three penalty attempts for the Sharks to ensure a losing return for White, who had quit the Brumbies halfway through a four-year contract after steering them to last year's Super 15 final.
And things do not get any easier for his new side, who now head to New Zealand for two tough matches against the Crusaders and Blues, while the Brumbies travel to Bloemfontein to face the Cheetahs.
MAGIC WEEKEND
The destiny of this season's Premier League title will be decided LIVE on Sky Sports this Sunday - just one piece of drama playing out on a wonderful weekend of sport. Add in the Spanish Grand Prix, the Sky Bet Football League play-offs, the Players Championship, La Liga title race and more and Sky Sports is the only place to be. You can upgrade to Sky Sports or buy a day pass through NOW TV to watch all this fantastic live action.