Sam Carter's ACT Brumbies have claimed Super Rugby bragging rights over Alex Newsome's NSW Waratahs, hanging on for a thrilling 19-13 upset victory at GIO Stadium.
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Entering the Australian conference derby on Friday night after two straight defeats, the ACT franchise were inspired thanks to a double from hooker Folau Fainga'a.
There were some anxious moments for the Brumbies late in the match as the Waratahs did most of the attacking in the last 20 minutes, but the home side did enough in front of 12,112 fans.
Both northern products had an impact, with Carter securing the lineout for the two rolling mauls the Brumbies scored off, the second of which was a penalty try, while Newsome crossed early in the second half to cut the home side's 12-5 half-time lead back to just two points.
It was the Glen Innes native's second try in as many matches.
Starting on the left wing he made 62 metres, from nine runs - the equal second most of the game - with one line break and one tackle bust.
Carter was effective in the lineout winning eight for his side and made 13 metres and nine tackles.
The win was the Brumbies' first over Australian opposition this season and came in spite of a disastrous start where the Waratahs opened the scoring in bizarre circumstances after five minutes.
Waratahs five-eighth Bernard Foley slammed a straight-forward penalty attempt straight into the post, before captain Michael Hooper pounced on a loose ball for the first try of the match.
But rather than go into their shells following some lacklustre defence, the Brumbies responded by dominating the rest of the first half.
Fainga'a strengthened his Wallabies credentials by crossing the line twice to become the first Brumby since Andrew Walker in 2004 to score a try in five consecutive games.
Coach Dan McKellar said the result was built on a determined effort from the Brumbies' defence.
"It probably wasn't pretty at times but I think we just stuck at it," he told reporters.
"We've spoken a lot about dealing with pressure and momentum swings and I thought we were outstanding there tonight."
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson felt his side could respond well heading into a difficult assignment against the Crusaders next week.
"The Brumbies deserved to win the game, they really capitalised on the pressure they were able to exert," Gibson said.
"There's areas in our game that we know if we can fix up we can be very competitive."
Australian Associated Press