Crusaders Stun Brumbies in Thrilling Finish to Lock In Second Place
What a game. If you missed it, you missed one of the most dramatic finishes of the Super Rugby Pacific season. The Crusaders, in true championship style, snatched a last-gasp 33-31 win over the Brumbies in Canberra, thanks to a clutch try from replacement hooker George Bell with just three minutes left on the clock. It was a game of momentum swings, fierce physicality, and heart-stopping moments, and it all played out under the cold lights of GIO Stadium.
Early on, it looked like the Brumbies had come to play. They hit hard and fast—literally—with prop Feao Fotuaika crashing over in just the second minute to ignite the home crowd. From there, the two sides went toe-to-toe in a contest that had everything from forward muscle to backline brilliance. The Crusaders, led by Rivez Reihana and Ethan Blackadder, found their rhythm and power early, capitalizing on penalties and turnover ball. By halftime, they held a solid 25-14 lead.
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But the Brumbies weren’t going to roll over—not in front of their home fans, and not with second place on the line. Led by a resurgent Rob Valetini and the creativity of Noah Lolesio, the Brumbies clawed their way back into the match. Tries to Rhys van Nek and Andy Muirhead brought them level, and when Lolesio slotted a clutch penalty in the 72nd minute, Canberra erupted. At 31-28, the Brumbies looked set to pull off a gutsy comeback win.
But then came the twist. The Crusaders pushed deep into Brumbies territory after a controversial missed knock-on. Reihana found touch just five metres out, and the visitors set up their final assault. The tension was palpable. And then—boom—George Bell spun to the blind side and slammed the ball down. Try. Silence from the home crowd. Reihana's conversion missed, but the damage was done.
In the dying minutes, the Brumbies surged one last time, but the Crusaders’ defense held firm. Scott Barrett forced a key turnover and that was that. The Crusaders walked away with the win and locked in second place on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.
It was more than just a win—it was a statement. The Crusaders, with their experience and composure under pressure, showed exactly why they’ve been such a dominant force for so long. And while the Brumbies showed heart and fight, the result means they’ll need to take a harder path through the finals.
If this is the kind of drama we're getting before the playoffs, then buckle up—because Super Rugby is far from done delivering fireworks.
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