Brumbies denied by Crusaders in Canberra battle
The ACT Brumbies have seen their Canberra fortress raided by the Crusaders, who snatched a top two spot on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder in a thrilling final round clash.
While the Chiefs locked down the No.1 ranking with a win over the Highlanders earlier on Friday night, the Brumbies and Crusaders met in a battle for second position with the Kiwi outfit victorious, 33-31.
The visitors hit the front in the 76th minute with reserve hooker George Bell peeling off a maul to dive over.
His try came after referee James Doleman missed a clear knock-on by Sevu Reece in the previous play.
With little more than a minute to play it looked like Brumbies winger Corey Toole might put his side back in the lead as he pin-balled through the defence, but Scott Barrett dislodged the ball from his arms three metres from the tryline.
The third-placed Brumbies, the top-ranked Australian side, will now to host the team that finishes fourth - the Hurricanes or Queensland - in the qualifying finals next weekend.
By finishing in the top two the Crusaders are now guaranteed to host a home semi-final provided they win their week one final.
The Brumbies trailed 25-14 at halftime with the Crusaders dominant in every aspect, with their line-speed in defence and physicality at the breakdown causing the home side headaches.
A phenomenal team try by the Brumbies ?#SuperRugbyPacific | #BRUvCRU pic.twitter.com/qOZ21tCra3? Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) May 30, 2025
But Canberra started the second half with intent, with prop Rhys Van Nek burrowing across.
The Brumbies then set up a heart-stopping finish when they drew level at 28-28 with their opponents after Noah Lolesio converted a try by Andy Muirhead in the 56th minute.
After some quick hands Muirhead still had plenty of work to do but the winger showed his will to drag three defenders across the line.
A penalty strike by Lolesio then put his team ahead with eight minutes to play but the Crusaders - the most successful team in the competition's history with 14 titles - wouldn't be denied.
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