Rugby: Brumbies beat Hurricanes to the punch

Julian Savea of the Hurricanes runs the ball during the round 13 Super Rugby match between the Hurricanes and the Brumbies. Photo / Getty Images.

Brumbies 37
Hurricanes 25

You might want to note down the name Zack Holmes.

The Brumbies' third-choice first-five wasn't meant to be any more than a stop-gap measure for the Canberra-based side but he piloted them to a 37-25 Super Rugby victory over the Hurricanes in Wellington tonight.

In his first start in the No 10 jersey following season-ending injuries to Christian Lealiifano and Matt Toomua, the 21-year-old Holmes booted seven from eight and scored a try for the Australian-conference leaders.

The Jake White-coached side have been one of the surprise outfits of the competition this year and powered home with a dominant second-half effort.

Wellington-born Brumbies No 8 Fotu Auelua grabbed the first try of the contest when he bashed over from close range, much to the delight of a small section of the crowd who had come to support the big loose forward.

Auelua's converted try took the side out to an early 10-0 lead and the Brumbies appeared to be making the better of the greasy conditions as Holmes directed them well around the park.

It took the Hurricanes 15 minutes to wake up and get in to the contest as quick-thinking halfback TJ Perenara darted across the line from close range to score the home side's first five-pointer.

As Holmes added another penalty, Hurricanes wing Andre Taylor booted three points of his own before Victor Vito crossed for a try, which Taylor converted to give the Hurricanes their first lead of the game after 30 minutes had elapsed.

The Hurricanes suffered a set back during the opening spell when wing Cory Jane limped off with an ankle injury, which forced Beauden Barrett on to play fullback and Taylor moved to the wing.

In the second spell the Hurricanes went about building on their lead as Perenara crossed for his second in a brilliant solo effort, although their goal-kicking remained a problem as Taylor failed to convert from a helpful angle.

Taylor missed two conversions in all, while Barrett also failed to knock over a penalty and conversion, although rookie prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen scored from close range as the Hurricanes looked to stay in control.

One thing about this Brumbies outfit though is they don't lack ambition and big lock Sam Carter scored to keep them in the contest as it pushed in to the final quarter, while Holmes showed the value in kicking your goals as he collected another two points to leave them only behind by two points as the rain got heavier.

Flanker Michael Hooper then found his way across the line, while Holmes crossed for his own try and his impeccable goal-kicking keep the Hurricanes at arms length.

As they began to gain the upper hand the Brumbies held firm and defended stoutly in the closing stages, while the Hurricanes failed to grab a late try to come within seven and grab another bonus point.

Next Saturday the Hurricanes host the lowly Melbourne Rebels in Wellington, while the Brumbies will meet the Reds in Canberra.

Brumbies 37 (Fotu Auelua, Sam Carter, Michael Hooper, Zack Holmes tries; Holmes 3 pens, 4 cons) Hurricanes 25 (TJ Perenara 2, Victor Vito, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen tries; Andre Taylor pen, con) HT: 13-15