Charlie Cale exits early as Brumbies steal win late in Dunedin

The Brumbies have shaken off the early loss of their star back-rower and their recent poor form to score an important 14-10 road win against the Highlanders.

Charlie Cale, the Brumbies’ top try-scorer, was taken off by coach Stephen Larkham just 26 minutes into the Super Rugby Pacific clash at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Friday.

Cale’s exit was initially thought to be tactical, although it has not yet been confirmed why the No.8 was replaced by Toby MacPherson.

Regardless, the visitors overcame the loss of the Wallabies hopeful despite a less-than-convincing performance in which the side coughed up 18 turnovers.

Victory comes after a demoralising 30-28 loss to the NSW Waratahs two rounds ago, which meant the Brumbies went into their bye week having lost three of their past four.

That poor run followed their glittering start to the competition, having sat top of the ladder with a 3-0 record.

Friday’s win will relieve some pressure on Larkham’s side, helping them cement their position inside the top six.

Winger Corey Toole was crafty with 63 metres and three defenders beaten, while inspirational captain Ryan Lonergan posted 98 metres and a try in his 100th game.

Allan Alaalatoa, an 88-cap veteran for the Wallabies, returned from a back injury and made six tackles and four passes, while Lachlan Lonergan (two carries, one defender beaten) also played his first match of the season after injuring his knee against the British and Irish Lions last July.

The Highlanders made six changes ahead of Friday’s clash and struggled to break down the visitors’ rigid defence, but a second-half try to winger Jona Nareki did threaten a boilover.

A late yellow card to hooker Henry Bell was costly, despite All-Black Ethan de Groot (16 tackles, nine passes) sparking the home team.

The Brumbies started slowly, but finally scored the first try when Ryan Lonergan picked up the ball from the ruck and slammed over the line in the 35th minute.

Trailing 7-3 at halftime, the Highlanders piled on the pressure and took the lead when Nareki kicked and caught his chip in the 63rd minute.

Just as the Kiwis looked to ice the result, Bell was handed a yellow card, and the Brumbies capitalised when Luke Reimer crashed over in the 75th minute.