The Hurricanes defeated the ACT Brumbies 19-12 in the Australian team's second trial of the 2004 rugby season at Cook Gardens Stadium.

With scores locked at 7-7 at the break, the Hurricanes scored two tries to one in the second half.

The Brumbies almost equalised on full time from a five metre lineout.

Brumbies coach David Nucifora was reasonably happy with the performance, describing it as a good step up from the loss to Queensland.

"It was a close game and we showed some good improvements from last week," said Nucifora.

"We focussed fairly hard on our defence for this match and I was really pleased with how it went. We made some good progress in attack and I was also happy with the set piece play."

With most of the Wallabies playing their first match of 2004, the trial was also a chance for Stephen Larkham to have a run a fullback as well as trial a few combinations in the second row.

"Stephen really found his feet in the second half and made some incisive runs from 15. He certainly showed he will be a strong attacking weapon from fullback," Nucifora said.

In the forwards, lock Mark Chisholm was impressive playing a full 80 minutes while the rest of tight five were also in good form.

The Brumbies will stay in New Zealand for their third and last trial against the Chiefs in Hamilton next Thursday.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP