ACT beats Queensland Reds 52-13 to stay in hunt for Super 14 semifinal

ACT beats Reds to stay in sight of Super 14 semi

BRISBANE, Australia — Captain Stephen Hoiles scored a pair of tries and the ACT Brumbies maintained their dominance over the Queensland Reds to stay on track for a semifinal playoff spot with a seven-try, 52-13 Super 14 rugby win Saturday.

The Brumbies improved their record to 14-1 against the Reds, with the last Queensland win coming in 2000. More importantly, the win with a bonus point gave the Brumbies 32 points and kept them within range of a top-four playoff spot with two rounds remaining.

ACT led 24-8 at halftime while the Reds kept it close on either side of the break when Will Genia scored tries on the stroke of halftime and early in the second before the Brumbies pulled away.

Reds captain and flyhalf Berrick Barnes was ruled out with a groin injury sustained just before the match started.

“Berrick tweaked his groin during the warmup, it was disappointing,” said Queensland coach Phil Mooney.

Mooney said the Reds, who upset the Auckland Blues last week, played poorly.

“We were soft through the middle,” said Mooney. “We needed more counterattack and had to fire a few shots.”

Acting Reds captain James Horwill said his side was never in the match.

“It was tough losing Berrick, but the Brumbies came out with more desire,” said Horwill. “We just didn’t work.”

Stirling Mortlock kicked seven conversions from seven attempts and added a penalty for the Brumbies.

Hoiles said the Brumbies took advantage of a few breaks to bounce back strongly from a 56-7 loss to Wellington in the last round.

“Last week was very disappointing, but we showed we can play tonight,” said Hoiles. “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”

ACT coach Andy Friend agreed.

“We got back to playing some rugby tonight,” Friend said. “The guys showed what they could do.”

Scores:

ACT 52 (Stephen Hoiles 2, Gene Fairbanks, Peter Kimlin, Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Francis Fainifo tries; Stirling Mortlock 7 conversions, penalty), Queensland 13 (Will Genia 2 tries; Quade Cooper penalty). HT: 24-8.