The ACT Brumbies have made history by dismantling the Crusaders 50-24 in Christchurch, ending a 26-year winless streak in the city. This momentous match also served as a milestone for veteran prop James Slipper, who celebrated his 200th Super Rugby appearance with a rare try, marking just his second in the last two seasons.
Slipper’s remarkable moment came in the 29th minute, when he capitalized on an offload from Andy Muirhead, contributing to the Brumbies’ strong first-half performance and securing a 19-14 lead at halftime. The visitors continued to dominate in the second half, scoring five tries, including three in the last ten minutes, to enhance their lead significantly.
Muirhead showcased his talent by scoring one try and assisting another, while teammate Charlie Cale shone with a brace of tries. Additional contributions from Corey Toole, Liam Bowron, and Rob Valetini highlighted the Crusaders’ struggles with turnovers and defensive errors throughout the match.
This victory comes on the heels of a surprising defeat for the Crusaders against the Highlanders just a week prior, putting their title defense in jeopardy. For the Brumbies, this win not only breaks a long-standing drought in New Zealand but also marks a significant achievement for Slipper, embedding the match in his personal history. The team’s aspirations for the season have been invigorated, showcasing their potential against tough competition.
Leave a comment