Brumbies Secure Sixth Consecutive Win Against Highlanders Following Late Luke Reimer Try In Dunedin
The Brumbies overcome 18 turnovers to defeat the Highlanders in Dunedin. Ryan Lonergan scores in his 100th game to keep the visitors in the top three.
By: AXL Media
Published: Apr 11, 2026, 3:54 AM EDT
Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

The Brumbies Silence Forsyth Barr Stadium With Late Heroics
The Brumbies extended their dominant winning streak against the Highlanders to six matches after snatching a 14-10 victory in a tense encounter in Dunedin. Despite a performance marred by 18 turnovers and an unconvincing offensive rhythm, the Australian side displayed remarkable defensive grit to stifle Jamie Joseph’s men on their home turf. The win serves as a crucial turnaround for Stephen Larkham’s squad, who had entered the fixture having lost three of their previous four games following a perfect start to the season.
Highlanders Struggle To Convert Pressure Into Points
The Highlanders entered the contest with a revamped lineup featuring six changes, yet they struggled to dismantle a rigid Brumbies defensive line. While All-Black Ethan de Groot led the defensive effort for the hosts with 16 tackles, the team frequently failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The New Zealand side trailed 7-3 at the interval but managed to seize momentum early in the second half. According to match reports, Jona Nareki briefly sparked hopes of a home victory when he chased down his own chip kick to score in the 63rd minute, putting the Highlanders in the lead.
Captain Lonergan Celebrates Milestone With Opening Score
Brumbies captain Ryan Lonergan marked his 100th appearance with a pivotal performance, including the game’s opening try in the 35th minute. Lonergan demonstrated veteran awareness by picking the ball from the base of a ruck and driving over the line to break a scoreless deadlock. In addition to his scoring contribution, the scrum-half recorded 98 running metres. His leadership proved vital as the Brumbies navigated the unexpected loss of Charlie Cale, the team’s leading try-scorer, who was pulled from the field just 26 minutes into the match for reasons that remain unconfirmed by the coaching staff.