Brumbies record 27-15 bonus-point win over Western Force in Canberra
Last Updated: 08/03/15 3:14pm
The Brumbies spoiled a try-scoring return to Super Rugby for Nick 'Honey Badger' Cummins as they recorded a 27-15 bonus-point victory over Western Force at Canberra Stadium.
The hosts ran in three first-half tries through Rory Arnold, Joe Tomane and Ben Alexander, while Nic White grabbed the fourth after the break, but it was strong defence as much as attack that secured a 10th straight home victory.
Australia wing Cummins, who is back with the Force after a spell in Japan, crossed in the corner in the 10th minute but thereafter the Force struggled to turn possession into points.
Arnold and Alexander both scored tries from close range while another Wallabies wing, Tomane, finished one of a string of moves down the left flank for the third after being released by a deft pass from Christian Lealiifano.
Just before the break the Brumbies absorbed 20 phases of pressure, but conceded just one Zack Holmes penalty and turned around 19-8 ahead.
A rolling maul 10 minutes after the break laid the foundation for the bonus-point try, which came courtesy of a snipe down the side of the ruck from scrum-half White.
However, former Leicester Tigers forward Steve Mafi cut the deficit to 24-15 with a converted try in the 57th minute as the Force finally got reward for their hard work.
Lealiifano extended the advantage again with a penalty just after the hour mark and for the last 20 minutes the Force hammered away at the blue and white defensive line but to no avail.
