Finegan's return boosts the Brumbies
February 3, 2001

Last year's Super 12 runners-up, the ACT Brumbies, warmed up in Invercargill on Saturday by overcoming the Highlanders 33-20.

The match was played in quarters , giving coaches Eddie Jones and Peter Sloane the opportunity to experiment with new combinations and assess the form of newcomers to their respective squads.

But it was the return of Wallaby veteran Owen Finegan which will have given Jones the most encouragement. The big flanker missed most of 2000 but returned yesterday, his brace of tries partial confirmation of a return to form and fitness.

One of the Highlanders' new boys, North Harbour's wing Aisea Tuilevu, only called into the squad in the past week, also made his mark on proceedings by getting a first half try.

Beaten by the Crusaders in the Canberra final in 2000, the Brumbies are sure to start as one of the 2001 tournament's favourites.The Highlanders, despite making the semis in 2000, did not set the world alight and will be looking for greater consistency and quality in their play this year.

Highlanders : 20 ( Tuilevu, Willis, Ropati : tries, Urwin : penalty and conversion )

Brumbies : 33 ( Finegan (2),Roff, Hall, McInally : tries, Mortlock : 3 conversions Roff : conversion )

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