Brumbies 'enjoyed' the conditions
Christian Lealiifano kicked the Brumbies to a crucial 20-13 win over the Blues in their Super Rugby clash at Eden Park on Saturday.
In a very wet and windy Auckland, where there was only one try to each side, Lealiifano punished the Blues with five penalties to keep the Brumbies at the head of the Australian conference.
The Brumbies adapted best to the conditions where the wind and constant rain dictated kick-and-chase tactics and their halfbacks – scrumhalf Nic White and flyhalf Matt Toomua – turned the Blues at every opportunity in the first half.
They led 14-0 at half-time and although the Blues fought back in the second spell, Brumbies captain Ben Mowen said conditions were always in their favour to snap a two-match losing streak.
"We definitely stuck to our game plan, which was good," Mowen said.
"When we woke up this [Saturday] morning and saw the rain coming down we felt comfortable because that was the way we had planned all week.
"This was a turning point game for us and I'm really glad the guys got the result for themselves."
Blues captain Ali Williams said that his team's performance lacked passion.
"Conditions were difficult for both sides," Williams said.
"The frustrating thing is that that was the first game we lacked a bit of passion and desire.
"That's the disappointing part," added Williams – who announced his retirement from the international game on Friday.
"You can live with mistakes, when the guys are trying, but [in this match] we should give ourselves an uppercut for the first half."
"The second half was better, a lot more pleasing, a lot more attitude and desire to play the game."
