Waratahs A’s v Brumbies Runners match decided in final minute, results, coaches say, great photos

It took until the 81st minute for the Waratahs A’s and Brumbies Runners battle to be determined - and it was worth the wait. Stars, result and great photos

Action in the Waratahs A’s last minute win over the Brumbies Runners. Pictures: © Karen Watson/Rugby Australia

It took until the 81st minute for the Waratahs A’s and Brumbies Runners rugby battle to be determined on Saturday - and it was well worth the wait.

The Waratahs A’s made it two from two against their old adversaries from Canberra this season with their last minute 29-27 victory at Daceyville.

Ethan Dobbins scoring off the rolling maul in the dying moments was a highlight.

So too was young gun Archie Saunders dazzling with two great tries in the space of a few minutes deep in the second half and at a crucial time for the Tahs who were trailing at the time.

Coach Shannon Fraser said the matches against the Runners are crucial to keep the Waratahs contracted players on their toes and match ready if needed while exposing younger players at the club with top level games against established players.

And despite taking the win he said there is plenty for the Tahs group to improve on.

The Waratahs As v Brumbies A's.

“We left it to the end but you have to be in reach to win,’’ he said.

“It was pretty messy.

“I though we started with good intent but lacked a lot of accuracy and physicality.’’

However he was happy with the fighting spirit of his charges.

“I though we stuck in it well, what I liked was how we found a way to get the ball back, to apply pressure,’’ he said.

Action in Saturday’s match. Pictures: © Karen Watson/Rugby Australia

“We didn’t have a lot of ball in the second half but they made the most of it.

“They also stayed reasonably calm across the 80 minutes.

“It was a good tussle. It shows both clubs have some good depth.’’

Fraser signalled out try scorers, inside centre Jackson Ropata and two-try hero Archie Saunders as among his standouts along with returning Waratah Michael McDonald on injury cover for the injured Jake Gordon.

“Jackson. he carried well, and Michael McDonald, he’s only been back at the club for a few weeks on injury cover for Jake was excellent.

The Waratahs As came from behind for the win. Pictures: © Karen Watson/Rugby Australia

“I tough his contribution was excellent and he did some good things and showed some physicality.’’

“Archie had some real special moments, we see he fights, he competes, we saw him produce some special moments.

Fraser said U20s players who stood out late in the game included Brad Fittler, Joey Fowler and Hwi Sharples.

“We filled the game with a lot of our under 20s late, we had eight in the squad.

“Hwi and Joey were good and we got some good power from Zach in the middle,’’ he said.

More from Amanda Lulham HERE