The Crusaders underlined their Super Rugby title credentials when they beat tournament leaders the Brumbies 23-30 in Canberra.
The match was meant to be a celebration for returning Brumbies flanker George Smith who won his 137th Brumbies cap overtaking the previous most capped Brumby George Gregan at 136.
Instead of a party for Smith the Brumbies had to settle for a losing bonus point after the Crusaders dropped their intensity with a 17 point lead and allowed the hosts to score 10 points in the closing minutes and finish within 7 points.
The result is the Crusaders first win in Canberra since 2003 when they beat the Brumbies 21-28 and have lost their last four matches in the city.
The Brumbies went out to a 10-0 lead with an intercept try by Matt Toomua and a penalty and conversion by Christian Lealiifano.
The seven time champions made a slow start but once they got going Andy Ellis scored their opening try and with a Dan Carter penalty and conversion they drew the scores level before half time at 10 all.The
Crusaders continued to dominate the scoreboard in the second half and Zac Guildford's second half try helped the Christchurch to score 23 unanswered points.
Final score Brumbies 23 (10) Crusaders 30 (10)
Scorers
Brumbies
Tries - M.Toomua, B.Mowen
Pen - C.Lealiifano 3
Con - C.Lealiifano, M.Toomua
Drop -
Cards -
Crusaders
Tries - A.Ellis, Z Guildford, I Dagg.
Pen - D.Carter 3
Con - D.Carter 3
Drop -
Cards -
Match Officials
Referee: Craig Joubert
Assistant Ref 1:Andrew Lees
Assistant Ref 2:James Leckie
TMO : Matt Goddard
Teams
Brumbies
1. Ben Alexander,2. Stephen Moore,3. Dan Palmer,4. Peter Kimlin,5. Sam Carter,6. Fotu Auelua,7. George Smith,8. Ben Mowen (c),9. Nic White,10. Matt Toomua,11. Joe Tomane,12. Christian Lealiifano,13. Tevita Kuridrani,14. Henry Speight,15. Jesse Mogg,
Replacements :16. Siliva Siliva ,17. Scott Sio,18. Leon Power,19. Colby Faingaa,20. Ian Prior,21. Robbie Coleman,22. Pat McCabe
Crusaders
1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Corey Flynn ,3. Owen Franks ,4. Luke Romano ,5. Sam Whitelock ,6. George Whitelock (c) ,7. Matt Todd,8. Luke Whitelock,9. Andy Ellis ,10. Dan Carter ,11. Zac Guildford ,12. Ryan Crotty ,13. Robbie Fruean ,14. Tom Marshall ,15. Tom Taylor
Replacements : 16. Ben Funnell ,17. Joe Moody, 18. Dominic Bird ,19. Jordan Taufua, 20. Willi Heinz , 21. Adam Whitelock , 22. Israel Dagg
