Holmes is hero for Brumbies

ACT Brumbies stand-off Zack Holmes gave his side a big lift towards the Super Rugby play-offs when he guided them to a 37-25 victory over the Wellington Hurricanes yesterday.

Holmes scored a try and slotted 17 points with the boot as the Brumbies seized their limited opportunities and moved to 44 points on the Super Rugby table.

They lead the Queensland Reds, who play on Saturday, by 13 points in the Australian conference.

Scrum-half TJ Perenara, who was considered unlucky to miss out on an expanded All Blacks training squad earlier this week, scored two tries for the Hurricanes, who had a wealth of possession and territory but were outplayed at the breakdown by Brumbies openside flanker Michael Hooper.

Meanwhile, Australia loose forward Scott Higginbotham has joined the Melbourne Rebels from the Queensland Reds on a two-year contract. The 25-year-old will join the Rebels next season.

“Scott’s a current Test player who we’re confident will add to the culture of the Melbourne Rebels,” coach Damien Hill said in a statement.