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Brumbies run riot in Brisbane

Brisbane - The Brumbies kept alive their Super 14 playoff hopes with a 52-13 thumping of the Reds in their Australian derby match on Saturday.

The Brumbies routed the hapless Reds with seven tries to claim a scoring bonus point and continue their 14-year dominance over the Reds with a 14th victory from 15 Super Rugby matches.

The win improved the Canberra-based side to lye equal with the Waratahs and Crusaders on 32 points on the fringe of the playoff positions with two rounds left.

It was a startling turnaround for the Brumbies, who were smashed 56-7 by the Hurricanes in their worst-ever performance last weekend only to outclass the struggling Reds.

It was a wretched night for the Reds, who lost playmaker Berrick Barnes before the kickoff with a groin strain in the warm-up and their skipper and Wallaby lock James Horwill with an ankle injury in the second half.

Without Barnes, the Reds lacked the tactical nous to make the most of their opportunities while they also lacked the urgency and intensity of the previous week's upset of the Blues.

Skipper and number eight Stephen Hoiles scored two tries for the Brumbies, while Wallaby skipper Stirling Mortlock, playing on the wing, kicked seven conversions and a penalty.

Ahead 10-3 after half an hour, the Brumbies blew the game open with two tries in five minutes to lead 24-3 at half-time.

The Brumbies face a must-win match against the Blues in Canberra next week, while the Reds face a tough assignment and playing for pride against the seven-time winners Crusaders in Christchurch.

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