Larkham: Blues first half lead was too big

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham admitted that becoming the first Super Rugby team to lose to the Blues in 2015 is a disappointing result and the Blues first half lead won the match for them.

The Brumbies fought their way back from being 13-0 down at half time to leading 13-14 with seven minutes remaining.

However the Brumbies conceded a penalty for offside in the 76th minute and replacement Ihaia West slotted the penalty to take the lead back.

While the Blues dominated the first half by scoring 13 points, the Brumbies dominated the second half by outscoring the home side 3-14 in the second half but the first half deficit eventually cost the Brumbies.

The Brumbies had the chance to snatch the win from the Blues after a scrum penalty on the bell, but it went wide, handing the Blues their first win in three games at Eden Park between these two sides since 2012.

Brumbies Head Coach Stephen Larkham said it was a disappointing result.

“We had a chance to win the game in the end, but letting the Blues get ahead of us big that margin in the first half proved too much to overcome,” Larkham said.

“There were positives from the game. We chased them back after a significant halftime deficit. ”

“But we can’t afford to be giving sides a head start like that,” added Larkham.