Very few rugby fans will head into Round 16 of Super Rugby Pacific stress-free. The shift to a top 6 – rather than top 8 – finals system means that most sides have it all to play for this weekend.
For an all-important top two position on the table, we face a straight shoot-out with the Crusaders.
Since the competition’s foundation in 1996, only the Crusaders of 1999 have finished third or below and gone on to win the competition. It is only fitting that a traditional rival stands in the way of the Brumbies and potential hosting rights deep into the finals.
The Round 15 bye could hardly have come at a better time for the Canberrans, who will be recharged and ready to go come Friday night’s blockbuster. Home fans will be hoping for a similar performance to the one seen against the Reds a fortnight ago. A similar crowd number – to the 11,438 for that Reds clash – will surely go a long way in getting the boys over the line.
The Crusaders come into the match off the back of a victory – albeit hardly a convincing one. To be fair, the Christchurch men knew that their result against the Highlanders would have no bearing on their finishing position. To their credit, they still managed to claw their way to victory, though looked destined for a draw until Cam Millar’s penalty attempt drifted past the wrong side of the uprights.
That close call will no doubt have the Crusaders switched on from the get-go on Friday, in what is shaping to be one of the matches of the season.
The equation is simple. Win and you’re in the competition top two – the ultimate advantage in Super Rugby. The Brumbies and the Crusaders have played their fair share of epic battles, from last-gasp victories to grand final showdowns. But for now, all that matters is the result this weekend.
All 2025 ACT Brumbies Full Season Members have access to GIO Stadium home games using their 2025 Membership cards. 4 and 2 Game Reserved Seat Members can redeem their tickets via Ticketek, while 4 and 2 Game General Admission Members can use their card to enter the games of their choice.
Super Rugby Pacific Round 16 vs Crusaders
Date: Friday 30 May
Gates Open: 5:30pm
Curtain Raiser: Junior Sevens Tournament
Kick-off: 7:35pm
Brumbies Members, don’t forget your 20% discount on tickets, check the latest email of The Round Up for the discount link, or email membership@brumbies.rugby.
