The ACT Brumbies have made history by ending a 26-year losing streak in Christchurch with an impressive 50-24 victory over the Crusaders. This remarkable win not only represents the first time the Brumbies have triumphed on the Crusaders’ home ground since 2000, but it also celebrates James Slipper’s milestone 200th Super Rugby appearance.
In a pivotal moment of the match, Slipper scored a rare try—just his second in two seasons—after breaking through the defensive line, thanks to an offload from Andy Muirhead in the 29th minute. This effort capped a strong first half, during which the Brumbies took a narrow 19-14 lead into the break.
The second half saw the Brumbies unleash a flurry of offensive prowess, tallying five tries in total, three of which came in a final, thrilling ten-minute stretch. Muirhead was exceptional, contributing one try and assisting another, while Charlie Cale emerged as a standout with two tries. The scoreboard also reflected contributions from Corey Toole, Liam Bowron, and Rob Valetini, underscoring the Brumbies’ commanding performance that exploited the Crusaders’ struggles with turnovers and a shaky defense.
This decisive victory comes on the heels of the Crusaders’ unexpected loss to the Highlanders just a week earlier, raising questions regarding their title defense. For the Brumbies, this game not only signifies triumph over a key rival but also marks a pivotal moment in breaking barriers against New Zealand teams, solidifying a historic match that will be remembered fondly by Slipper and the Brumbies for years to come.