The ACT Brumbies-Crusaders matches always deliver and this game was no different as the visitors edged out the 33-31 win.
In a game that had it all, the Crusaders found a way to hold on and secure a crucial win that cements second place.
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So what did we learn?
It was a split second call but the Crusaders capitalised on some late chaos for the win.
George Bell was the hero as the hooker picked the perfect moment to split from the maul and dive over.
But the Canberra faithful will feel hard done by after replays showed a knock-on missed before the penalty that allowed the visitors to kick to the line five metres out.
It’s one of those cases where if the Crusaders had scored a try before the penalty, the TMO would’ve likely been able to bring it back. Instead, they kick for the line and strike gold.
In this case, the Brumbies are left to wonder as second place slips away.
The Crusaders have All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett to thank for that win.
Corey Toole was certain to score after beating multiple defenders but the covering defence from the lock was outstanding to dislodge the ball five metres from the line in the final minute.
For Barrett to be still working down to the final minute is a credit to his work-rate and a shining example of why he’s one of the best in the world.
Barrett will be pivotal towards the Crusaders' push to return to the top of Super Rugby.
The Brumbies can take so much from how they rallied in the second half.
They were outmatched in most aspects but they came out firing in the second half off the back of Rob Valetini’s heroics.
Stephen Larkham’s men looked like they’d done enough to win the game late.
But the reality is, it’s always going to be an uphill battle when you allow the Crusaders to build a 14-point lead with 30 minutes to go.
Noah Lolesio had a wild night on his return to Super Rugby.
He was outmatched in the kicking game early on top of whiffing a return catch that led to a 50-22 but his running game was superb.
Lolesio looked dangerous, and he capitalised on some rare front-foot ball with a nice break, recording four tackle busts in the first half.
He showed his goal-kicking prowess with a clutch conversion and penalty from the sideline to give the Brumbies the late lead.
It was a good step in the right direction leading into the finals for Lolesio.
Sevu Reece showed up many playmakers with a lovely drop goal right before half-time.
Reece is fresh off breaking the try-scoring record, but showed he’s more than a try-scoring freak after calmly slotting the three-pointer with the penalty advantage.
It ultimately proved the difference at the end of the game.
The winger is such an important player to the Crusaders, given the uncertainty around Will Jordan’s return from injury.
