Rugby: Rebels score shock win over Brumbies

Tom English of the Rebels celebrates after scoring a try which was later disallowed during the...
Tom English of the Rebels celebrates after scoring a try which was later disallowed during the round seven Super Rugby match between the Rebels and the Brumbies at AAMI Park in Melbourne. Photo by Getty

The Melbourne Rebels have tossed out the form book to upset the high-flying Brumbies 32-24 in their Super Rugby clash at AAMI Park.

The Rebels went into the match on the back of three losses while the Brumbies had won four on the trot.

But the high stakes of their winning run took its toll on the visitors, who paid dearly for a poor 10-minute period midway through the second half.

The Brumbies saw their 17-12 lead evaporate as fullback Jason Woodward put on a superb show of strength and speed to beat four defenders and touch down in the 59th minute, which he then converted from the sideline.

Melbourne should have extended that a minute later but winger Tom English lost the ball as he dived across the tryline.

The Rebels continued to attack and Brumbies lock Scott Fardy was yellow-carded for obstruction, with Woodward again successful with the penalty strike.

Melbourne's second try came through hard-running centre Mitch Inman in the 69th minute.

A late try by speedster Robbie Coleman got his side back in the hunt but then another Woodward brought his personal tally for the match to 27 points - including six penalties - to seal the win.

The Brumbies had got off to a flying start, with fullback Jesse Mogg scoring in the second minute and they dominated the early exchanges.

Up until the 20th minute the Brumbies had 87 per cent of territory and 69 per cent of possession.

But the Rebels showed off their vastly improved defence and worked their way back into the game to hold their opponents to a 10-3 halftime lead.

The margin could have been even less when Melbourne opted for a lineout just metres from the tryline following a penalty.

But the buzzer went as the ball was kicked with referee Jaco Peyper calling halftime to the surprise of the home side.

In the end it didn't matter as they celebrated their first win over the Brumbies since 2011.

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