The ACT Brumbies have etched their name into club history, defeating the Crusaders 50–24 in Christchurch to claim their first win at the venue since 2000 - and doing so on the 200th Super Rugby appearance of James Slipper.
It was a day layered with significance. Exactly 15 years on from the Christchurch earthquake, both sides paused for a minute’s silence before kick-off, a powerful moment that added weight to an already fierce trans-Tasman rivalry. When the whistle blew, the both teams delivered a performance worthy of the occasion, but it was the Brumbies who inevitably came out on top.
From the outset, there was intent. Andy Muirhead in the first half ignited the contest with a display of sharp, aggressive running that repeatedly tore through the Crusaders’ defensive line. His try was the spark that set the tone for his team - a reward for his relentless pressure and willingness to back his speed and footwork. Every carry asked questions; every touch shifted momentum.
There was a sense of inevitability about Slipper’s moment. In his 200th match - 104 with the Reds and 96 with the Brumbies - the veteran prop burrowed over for a try that felt written into the script. His imprint on the match and the occasion was unmistakable.
Charlie Cale followed with a performance built on strength and timing. The young back-rower muscled his way through heavy traffic to score and later produced a crucial defensive effort to hold the Crusaders up over the line. It was a defining moment in a match that demanded resilience, underlining the defensive steel that became the Brumbies’ backbone.
The Brumbies went into half time up 19 - 14, a position they traditionally convert with authority, and they did exactly that. While the Crusaders threatened to build momentum, ill-discipline hampered their efforts, with yellow cards in both halves proving costly. The Brumbies, despite navigating a second-half spell with 14 men themselves, maintained composure and control.
The Brumbies forwards absorbed enormous pressure, winning collisions and disrupting the breakdown when the Crusaders surged forward. Time and again, black and red jerseys were denied at the line. It was brave, organised defence that frustrated the hosts and laid the platform for a clinical second half.
In just his second Super Rugby appearance, Kadin Pritchard showcased his power and composure to score his maiden try, latching onto a perfectly weighted kick from Declan Meredith, whose game management continues to mature impressively in the No.10 jersey. Meredith’s ability to steer territory and recognise space proved pivotal as the Brumbies capitalised on their opportunities.
As the Crusaders pressed late, desperate to claw their way back, it was Rob Valetini who delivered the decisive blow, crashing over in the 76th minute with trademark force. Two minutes later, Corey Toole iced the result, racing away to score under the posts and silence the Christchurch crowd.
The 50–24 scoreline told the story of a side that was brave in defence, ruthless in transition and composed when it mattered most. It ended a 26-year drought in Christchurch and marked a rare and emphatic Australian triumph at one of Super Rugby’s most daunting venues.
Captain Ryan Lonergan captured the emotion post-match.
“Super proud,” he said. “Super stoked to do it for big Jimmy on his 200th.”
Now 2–0 to start the Super Rugby Pacific season, the Brumbies have sent an early message. History was against them in Christchurch - until it wasn’t.
