The Brumbies outplayed the Waratahs before conceding two late tries in their 34-28 pre-season win in Goulburn on Thursday.

Despite bright performances from centres Karmichel Hunt and Adam Ashley-Cooper, as well as from South African lock Le Roux Roets, the Wallaby-less Waratahs were largely second-best to the Brumbies, who twice opened up a 20-point gap during the second half.

Lausii Taliauli and Irae Simone both scored tries as the Brumbies took a 17-7 lead into half-time, with flyhalf and captain Christian Lealiifano adding two conversions and a penalty. In response, Waratahs skipper Will Miller grabbed a try to briefly level the scores at 7-7.

The Brumbies were rampant in the second half, as first hooker Folau Faingaa scored from a driving maul, and then Wallabies centre Tevita Kuridrani reached over to make it 27-7. Jed Holloway scored from the kick-off to narrow the scoreline, but rookie tighthead prop Tom Ross went over to make it a 20-point difference again.

Two tries in the final 10 minutes to locks Lachie Swinton and Ned Hanigan made it a nervous finish, but the Brumbies deservedly held on for the win.

Photo: Sitthixay Ditthavong/SMH