Brumbies continue perfect start with win over Rebels

The unfortunate Rebels have now lost their last nine Super Rugby games in a row and it's difficult to see how they can pull themselves out of the slump despite some bright signs today.

The win is the fourth straight for the Brumbies in this year's competition, only the second time they have achieved such a good start since 2014.

The hosts had a chance to get on the board early but Reece Hodge missed a difficult penalty chance from the halfway line.

The opening exchanges were very scrappy, to say the least, with neither side able to hold on to possession and conceding needless turnovers and penalties.

The Brumbies were the first team that managed to pull themselves together and Rob Valetini crashed his way over the line to score the game's first try in the 15th minute. It was converted by Noah Lolesio to make it 7-0.

It was all the visitors after the first score too, with renewed confidence they began hammering away at the Rebels line. Even when they lost possession, the hosts were often kind enough to just kick it right back.

They converted the newfound dominance into an even greater lead in the 26th minute when Tom Banks did fantastically well to draw in two defenders and slip through their tackles to put Len Ikitau in space and over the line.

Matt To'omua clawed three points back for the home side in the 30th minute to make it 12-3 before disaster struck less than 60 seconds later.

Glen Vaihu was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle while Banks was still in the air trying to claim the kick-off.

The Brumbies took made the most of their numerical advantage with Nic White exploiting the lack of defenders by breaking to the blind side and lofty a long floaty pass out for an unmarked Tom Wright to dot their third try of the