Holmes rules for Brumbies

Fly-half has a debut to remember

By Tony Curtis - Follow me on Twitter: @SkysportsTC   Last updated: 18th May 2012  

Tusi Pisi Hurricanes

Tusi Pisi tries to get the ball away

Michael Hooper Brumbies v Hurricanes

Try-scorer Michael Hooper claims a high ball

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Zack Holmes was the star of the show as the Brumbies recorded a 37-25 win over the Hurricanes.

Holmes racked up 22 points, including the crucial fourth try, as he had a starting debut to remember.

Fotu Auelua, Sam Carter and Michael Hooper also scored as the Brumbies fought back brilliantly from being 25-13 down.

The Hurrianes had scored tries through TJ Perenara (2), Victor Vito and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen - however a disappointing day with the boot was to cost them.

Andre Taylor, who did add one conversion and a penalty, and Beauden Barrett missed a number of chances between them to let the visitors off the hook.

Holmes had no such problems and he opened up his account with an early penalty before adding the extras when Auelua powered over from close range after eight minutes.

Livewire scrum-half Perenara hit back for the Hurricanes, though, as he sniped over down the blindside after a textbook catch and drive from the pack.

Vision

Holmes and Taylor exchanged penalties but it was the Hurricanes who moved into the lead when a superbly crafted move off a scrum saw Vito crash over. Taylor added the extras.

That saw the home side lead 15-13 at the break - and they must have thought it was game over when they struck twice in quick succession after the interval.

First Perenara put the Hurricanes in control after an excellent finish - the 19-year-old showing brilliant vision from the base of the ruck to leave the Brumbies defence trailing in his wake.

And although Holmes reduced the deficit with a penalty, Toomaga-Allen made an immediate impact off the bench for the home side when he burrowed his way over.

However the Hurricanes were made to pay for switching off when Scott Fardy broke through some weak tackling, with the lock finding Carter with the scoring pass. Holmes converted.

And worse was to follow for the Hurricanes as they coughed up possession from their own scrum, with Hooper driving over to put the Brumbies in front. Holmes again added the extras.

Missed tackles then allowed Holmes to cap a superb display with the bonus point try - with the fly-half also adding the conversion.

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