Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea admitted losing to the Brumbies was “a tough pill to swallow’’ but refused to blame a controversial call on a disallowed try for their first Super Rugby Trans Tasman defeat.
The Brumbies finally ended their losing run against New Zealand opposition, grinding out a 12-10 victory over the Hurricanes in front of a home crowd.
The Hurricanes could have gone top of the table with a bonus-point win, but are now unlikely to make the final, leaving Savea to lament a lost opportunity.
Jordie Barrett missed a couple of late penalties – including one near the sideline just before the final whistle but Savea felt other chances went begging for Jason Holland’s men.
Savea was at the centre of a crucial ruling when front-rower Alex Fidow crossed for what appeared to be a match-winning try in the 73rd minute.
However, after reviewing video replays, match officials ruled Savea had knocked the ball in the lead-up.
Brumbies captain Alan Alaalatoa admitted the intensity of the contest made it feel like a test match.
In another match yesterday, Jona Nareki got a double as the Highlanders thrashed the struggling Waratahs 59-23 to sit in second place - a point behind the Blues and ahead of the Crusaders on points difference.
[Source: Stuff.co.nz]
