Brumbies take the points and run
Brumbies captain Ben Mowen said that while his team's performance was not perfect, they will happily take the four log points from their clash with the Rebels in Melbourne.
The Australian conference leaders held the lead throughout the match, but the home side managed to stay within striking distance for long periods and had the Canberra side sweating at certain stages.
Mowen said that although he was not completely satisfied with his team's performance they will gladly take the four log points into the June Test break.
"I'll take that every day of the week, that's four points in this competition and it's extremely hard to do," he said.
The Brumbies skipper pointed out that the Rebels have proven a tough prospect this year and said that he was glad his team did not come unstuck in Melbourne like the seven-time champion Crusaders did a few weeks ago.
"Melbourne is an improving side and an extremely tough side to play at home and I think if you asked the Crusaders would they take a four-point win out of here, I think they would have taken it as well," he added.
Rebels captain Gareth Delve said that while it had been satisfying to bounce back from their thumping at the hands of the Hurricanes last week, the final result was frustrating for his side as they had competed throughout the match and ended with nothing to show for it.
"It was a game we were in for the full 80 minutes after a disappointing opening 20 minutes which was pushing off the hangover from last week.
"The intent was good and a bit of ill discipline let the Brumbies push out to a lead, the heart and intent was great, but we need to tighten up on that discipline," he said.
Rebels coach Damien Hill said that his side's inabaility to convert territory and possession into points after half-time had proven to be their undoing on the night.
"We had enough possession and enough field position in that second half to score points, and it is disappointing that we weren't able to convert that pressure into points," said Hill.
"The effort’s definitely there – execution and maybe a little bit of discipline at times let us down," added the Rebels boss.
