Relevant offers
Super Rugby
The David Pocock effect has begun in Canberra, with the Wallabies flanker leading the Brumbies to an emphatic 24-6 Super Rugby win over Queensland.
Brumbies coach Jake White talked the talk in the pre-season, boasting that with Pocock in their side, the boys from the ACT can return to the glory days of old.
Saturday night's two-tries-to-nothing victory proved they are certainly on the right path.
Jesse Mogg scored both tries for the Brumbies, but it was their suffocating defence that shut down Quade Cooper and the Reds.
The fiery build-up to the anticipated match continued on the pitch, with players coming together for some push in shove at regular intervals in the first half.
There was plenty of rust for Pocock and his teammates, but the world's most dominant No.7 added an edge the Brumbies lacked last year when they stumbled with a finals berth in reach.
The win broke a two-match losing streak against Queensland as the Brumbies showed they'll again build their campaign around a rock-solid defensive game.
Halfback Nic White played a leading role, setting up a try and kicking two long-range penalties that kept the Reds out of reach.
Nine minutes into the match and with referee Andrew Lees playing the advantage in the Reds' 22, White dabbed a smart kick in behind the line, with speedster Mogg touching down in the corner.
Penalty kicks from White and Mogg had the Brumbies in control, before flying fullback Mogg put the icing on the cake with a last-minute intercept try.
Last year Queensland ground out a 13-12 win in Canberra and went on to steal the Brumbies finals spot in the last round when White's men choked against the Blues.
With Pocock in their stable and playmaking combination Matt Toomua and Christian Lealiifano back from injury, the Brumbies showed signs against Queensland that they are back with a vengeance.
Toomua and Lealiifano ran the backline smoothly, in the second half especially, and showed a willingness to run the ball to the line.
Clyde Rathbone didn't see much ball in his much anticipated return after a four-year retirement.
Queensland five-eighth Cooper didn't get much opportunity to show his wares, with the Reds scarcely getting themselves into an attacking position all night.
Fullback Mike Harris booted two penalties for the visitors but was offline with a couple of other strikes.
- AAP
Sponsored links
Broad on fire as NZ collapse at Lord's
Elliot defended, Warriors players reprimanded
Marshall: Weather factor sorts out the leaders
Barrett still sees 'light' ahead
Injury to Martin may force attack change
Worries over Bike NZ funding and solvency
Bowing to ABs harms Super Rugby chances
Happy hooker's call-up no joke
Steely resolve to beat Aussie hoodoo
Magic's bid for playoffs precarious
It wasn't me who scored - Franks
Second death follows Northland shootings
Broad on fire as NZ collapse at Lord's
Female specialists put pressure on system
Mystery as China blocks NZ meat
Early flyers can kip at airport
Lion Brown lovers pledge lifetime loyalty
Ancient coins could rewrite history
My fight against shark finning in NZ
Rowling's Harry Potter ideas aired
Embarking on an expected journey
Review: Bobby Womack in Auckland
Recognise asthma symptoms - bereft mother
Second death follows Northland shootings
Broad on fire as NZ collapse at Lord's
Early flyers can kip at airport
Female specialists put pressure on system
Ancient coins could rewrite history
Mystery as China blocks NZ meat
Aussie soap star in serious condition after crash

Should there be golden point extra time in Super Rugby?




