Alaalatoa hails ‘hustling hard’ Brumbies for rare Super Rugby clean sheet

ACT Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa hailed his side for “hustling hard” after they became the first Super Rugby team to keep a clean sheet this season with a 24-0 takedown of Moana Pasifika.

Two tries each for wing Corey Toole and replacement hooker Billy Pollard secured the points in Pukekohe on Saturday, but it was tougher than the scoreline suggested.

The first points weren’t posted until the 41st minute when Toole showcased his lightning speed to pounce on an Andy Muirhead chip 30 seconds after the half-time siren.

“It’s really pleasing to come out here and put in a performance like that against a tough Moana side,” Alaalatoa told Sky Sports.

“The most pleasing part was to keep their side at zero points and our side (show) their attacking flair. A lot of pride shown out there by our boys, and really proud of the effort.

“I think for us we just had to hustle hard for each other … we had two yellow cards (Tom Hooper and Tom Wright) and still didn’t give any points away.”

The win solidified the Brumbies’ third place in the standings, four points behind the Waikato Chiefs and Canterbury Crusaders who both won, against Otago Highlanders and Auckland Blues respectively.

Despite languishing in 10th place, a free-wheeling Moana had piled on 291 points this season while also leaking 330, more than any other side.

“Obviously to come away against Moana, with the form they have had this year, with a win, we’re very happy with that,” said Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham.

“Keeping them to zero also shows that our preparations were really good from a defence point of view.

“I thought the boys fronted up defensively. I don’t know what the stats are, but it feels like we only missed a couple of tackles out there.”

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