Mosese Raqio 
[Photo: PHOTOSPORT]
The ACT Brumbies have shattered a 26-year hoodoo in Christchurch, crushing the Crusaders 50-24 in a historic night for James Slipper.
In his 200th Super Rugby match, Slipper marked the milestone with a rare try — just his second in two seasons — as the Brumbies powered to their first win over the Crusaders in Christchurch since 2000.
The veteran prop crossed in the 29th minute off an Andy Muirhead offload, capping a dominant first-half display that saw the visitors take a 19-14 lead into the break.
The Brumbies then blew the game open, running in five second-half tries — including three in the final 10 minutes — to seal a statement victory.
Muirhead was electric, scoring one and setting up another, while Charlie Cale grabbed a double. Corey Toole, Liam Bowron and Rob Valetini also crossed as the Crusaders struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses.
The win comes just a week after the Crusaders’ shock loss to the Highlanders, leaving their title defence in early trouble.
For the Brumbies, it’s another New Zealand drought broken — and a milestone night Slipper will never forget.
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