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Super ACT Brumbies kick back from halftime deficit against NSW
Posted: Saturday April 17, 1999 01:30 PM
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) -- The ACT Brumbies overcame a six-point deficit at halftime and held New South Wales scoreless in the second half to beat the Waratahs 27-16 in a Super 12 rugby union match Saturday at Bruce Stadium. Jeremy Paul, Adam Magro and Craig McMullen scored the ACT tries with Scott Staniforth and Matthew Dowling replying for New South Wales. The win moved the Brumbies into semifinal territory, level with New South Wales on 18 points but the ACT has played one additional match. Winger Dowling was the first-half hero for the Waratahs, scoring 11 points including a dashing 40-meter try just before the break. Five-eighth McMullen proved to be a super substitute for the Brumbies, figuring in both of their second-half tries. McMullen linked with center Magro, who crashed over to score for the Brumbies in the 46th minute with a converted try, lifting the ACT into the lead. A penalty goal to winger Stirling Mortlock increased the margin to 20-16 in the 59th minute and 10 minutes later, McMullen sealed the win with a brilliant solo effort. McMullen grubber-kicked through and dived on the loose ball to score an easy try. In a tough struggle, the Waratahs scored the opening try in the 25th minute when winger Staniforth scored in the corner after taking the final pass from Dowling. The ball traveled through six sets of hands before Dowling chimed in from the right wing and then passed inside to Staniforth who dived over. The Brumbies then enjoyed much of the territorial advantage and were rewarded five minutes before the break when hooker Paul posted a spectacular try. Fullback Joe Roff sent flanker Gordon Falcon into the clear and he found Paul inside and the Wallaby aspirant juggled the ball before crashing over. Winger Stirling Mortlock's conversion reduced the lead to 11-10 but, two minutes later, Dowling scored his solo try to increase the margin. Scorers: ACT 27 (Jeremy Paul, Adam Magro, Craig McMullen tries; Stirling Mortlock 2 penalty goals, 3 conversions) def. NEW SOUTH WALES 16 (Scott Staniforth, Matthew Dowling tries; Matthew Dowling 2 penalty goals).
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