Brumbies denied by Crusaders in Canberra battle
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 Crusaders 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, much to the disgust of a vocal Canberra crowd.
With little more than a minute to play it looked like Brumbies winger Corey Toole would 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.
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The third-placed Brumbies, the top-ranked Australian side, will now 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.
Wallabies playmaker Noah Lolesio was gutted his team wasn't able to win after clawing their way back into the match.
"It's pretty disappointing. We were really in that game. We did really well to get back the lead. I'm lost for words at the moment," said Lolesio, who made a successful return from a serious back injury earlier this month.
"It's a tough pill to swallow as we really wanted to win this game.
"We're going to have to get over and work into whoever we've got next Saturday."
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.
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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 after 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.
Crusaders skipper Codie Taylor lauded his team's defensive effort and calmness.
"Good to show a bit of composure there at the back end of that game as it seems to be a common trend for us, leaking points in that second half," the hooker said.
"It's always hard fought over here and, last year it was the same, and we were on the short straw of that and managed to sneak a W (win) tonight, so proud of the lads."
In another blow for the Brumbies, they could lose centre Len Ikitau, who showed his pace to score in the 16th minute but also limped off with 10 minutes to play.
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