The ACT Brumbies have scored more than 50 points to claim a commanding Super Rugby Pacific victory over the Western Force, winning 56-24 in Perth on Saturday. Temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius forced officials to implement heat stress protocols, and it was the home side that wilted when it mattered most.
The Force took an early 10-0 lead, with flanker Vaiolini Ekuasi scoring the opening try and Ben Donaldson adding a penalty goal. However, the Brumbies responded with 28 unanswered points, taking a 14-10 halftime lead. Back-rower Charlie Cale scored the visitors' first try, and livewire flyhalf Declan Meredith added another before the break.
The Brumbies extended their lead immediately after halftime when Rhys Van Nek forced his way over, and then Cale set up Meredith for his second try. The Force briefly cut the deficit to 11 points through a try from Argentine lock Franco Molina, but the Brumbies pulled away with further tries from Meredith, Cale, Corey Toole, and Ollie Sapsford after the siren.
The victory was the ACT's sixth out of six in season openers against the WA franchise, which has yet to make the finals since entering the competition 20 years ago. The Brumbies overcame the loss of several Wallabies stars, including Len Ikitau, Noah Lolesio, and Tom Hooper, as well as injuries to Tom Wright and captain Allan Alaalatoa.
Rob Valetini led the visitors' fightback with physical presence and power, while debutant Tane Edmed converted three goals late in the match. The Brumbies travel to Christchurch next week to face the Crusaders, while the Force host the Blues in Perth.
