The Brumbies were always going to be in for a fight as soon as the team lists were announced, however, pushed the Crusaders until the end in a 35-17 defeat.
They started to gain some momentum in the second half, only for the defending champions to close out the game in style.
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So what did we learn?
1.Rest and Recover
Questions must be asked about how it got to the stage where the Brumbies found themselves having to rest six Wallabies for such as crucial clash.
The draw was a nightmare for Stephen Larkham in terms of finding the ideal moment but last week’s clash with Moana Pasifika probably should’ve been used better to soften the blow.
The Brumbies showed they can match it with the Crusaders at stages and Larkham will be pleased with how his wider squad members took it to their NZ counterparts.
It doesn’t get easier, with rivals Reds and the Waratahs along with the Hurricanes on the schedule for the next month.
Getting through that still in the top four will have the squad primed for a strong finish at the end of the year.
2. Stepping up
So with a host of Wallabies out who stepped up for the Brumbies?
Tamati Tua continues to develop into a nice Irae Simone replacement whilst Ben O’Donnell looked damaging on the wing in partnership with speedster Corey Toole.
Charlie Cale looked up to Super Rugby level and delivered some nice work with and without the ball, joined by Rory Scott who finished with a game-high 19 tackles and a great ball to set up Toole's try
The standout as always in 2023 was Ryan Lonergan. The scrum-half continues to do his Wallaby hopes little harm and impressed in his 70-minute effort as skipper.
3. Ruck issues
With Rory Scott and Luke Reimer partnering Charlie Cale in the back row, the Brumbies needed to control the breakdown to have a chance to compete with the Crusaders.
Unfortunately, they failed to clear the waves of Crusaders defenders gunning for the pilfer, forcing Ryan Lonergan to constantly dig for the ball, slowly the play down.
It shows the value of Pete Samu and Rob Valetini in ensuring that balance and winning that collision battle, welcome returns for next week’s clash with the Waratahs.
4. Freak Fainga’anuku
Leicester Fainga’anuku served as a battering ram to help change the game for the Crusaders.
He worked the crash ball off the line out to perfection, scoring the opener to slice through the defence.
The winger produced a carbon copy effort in the second half in a freakish performance where he broke nine tackles off just 12 carries.
5. All about timing
The Brumbies will be rueing the siren after a 14-point swing at the end of the first half.
After holding out the Crusaders, Luke Reimer’s quick dart was held up as the siren sounded.
Brendon Pickerill opted to play the resulting goal line drop out instead of calling time, only for the Brumbies to give away a soft penalty just inside the Crusaders’ half. The hosts then did what they do best, giving the visitors a taste of their own medicine via the rolling maul.
What could’ve easily been 14-10 became 21-3, leaving a near-impossible task for the visitors as they pressed the Crusaders late.
