The ACT Brumbies have produced a remarkable second-half fightback against the Chiefs, winning 33-24 in Canberra.
The clash of two heavyweights in Super Rugby Pacific served as the perfect backdrop to a special night in the competition’s history, as James Slipper overtook Wyatt Crockett to become the most capped Super Rugby player of all time.
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The match lived up to the hype, with Liam Coombes-Fabling scoring a double for the visitors and Damian McKenzie delivering a composed performance to have the Chiefs up 24-7 at the hour mark.
However, tries to Ryan Lonergan, Charlie Cale, Declan Meredith and a 79th-minute intercept from Corey Toole completed a stunning comeback for the hosts.
So, what did we learn?
There was something in the air in Canberra on Saturday night, with a heavyweight clash between two sides regarded as strong contenders for the title in 2026.
However, the competition served as the perfect backdrop to the incredible James Slipper, receiving a guard of honour from his teammates and the Chiefs, with some rugby’s biggest names also in attendance.
The prop delivered a strong setpiece performance in his 203rd appearance, with Corey Toole’s try seeing the veteran on his feet and celebrating as the Brumbies clinched the result.
With the Canberra faithful sticking around, he was presented with a special award by Crockett, with Slipper, ever the class act, giving the All Black legend his flowers in his speech.
The historic records are set to keep coming for Slipper - should he be selected next week against the Waratahs, he’ll earn his 100th cap for the Brumbies, and become the first Super Rugby player ever to earn 100 caps for two teams.
While the Chiefs will be scratching their heads as to how they let a 17-point lead slip, the fact that they’d opened up a lead that big in one of the hardest places to win in Super Rugby shows just how much class they have.
Liam Coombes-Fabling enjoyed a strong day at fullback, picking up a double in the first half as the visitors shut down the Brumbies’ attack.
Bar missing one penalty at the death that could have given his side victory, Damian McKenzie produced a composed performance that should have him firmly in the picture for Dave Rennie’s All Blacks.
With the Chiefs heading over to Perth to face a refreshed Force, Jono Gibbes’ side will be determined to make sure they finish their Australian tour with some points.
On a night where Super Rugby came together to celebrate one of its greats, it was several of the Brumbies’ young guns who stood up.
Charlie Cale delivered in spades for the hosts, scoring his eighth try of the season in an aggressive performance.
Declan Meredith continues to show incredible maturity for a young fly-half, scoring a try, shutting down Chiefs' attack, and combining well with skipper Ryan Lonergan.
However, the impressive performance of Kye Oates, who produced several try-saving tackles and landing a try assist for his efforts makes him a winger to watch in the capital.
It was a great evening for the men from Canberra, with the Brumbies once again finding a way to win against all odds.
Like their last two matches at home, the side came alive in the final quarter, chasing down a seemingly insurmountable lead the Chiefs had built.
However, while he’ll be happy with a win, head coach Stephen Larkham will not be resting on his laurels: the scoreline looked ominous at the hour mark, and could have easily gone another way.
The head coach will be looking to address his side’s consistency and ensure they get better at taking their chances coming into Tahs’ week.
With one more match before a much-needed bye, the Brumbies will look to solidify their ladder position when they welcome the Waratahs next week.
With the Waratahs facing the Blues tomorrow night in Sydney, this weekend serves as a valuable chance to see where the two sides sit ahead of the derby.
The men in sky blue ended the Brumbies' winning streak over them last year in Sydney, only for the men from Canberra to put them to the sword when they made their trip down Remembrance Driveway.
With the Dan Vickerman Cup on the line, the men from Canberra will be determined to keep their record intact against their old rivals.
With James Slipper also celebrating his 100th match in Canberra, it will only add to the home side’s motivation.
