Leicester Fainga’anuku of the Crusaders charges forward during the Super Rugby Pacific match against the Brumbies at the Apollo Projects Stadium. Photo: Getty ImagesThe Brumbies have handed defending champions the Crusaders a 50-24 thrashing on Sunday to pick up their first win in Christchurch since 2000 and maintain their perfect start to the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. "We wanted to put an effort in that would get us a result and we were up for the game," said Slipper. Replacement hooker Ioane Moananu also scored two tries for Dan McKellar's side with flanker Charlie Gamble and lock Angus Blyth crossing the line. CHIEFS CLAIM SECOND WIN, BLUES VICTORIOUSThe Chiefs sit in third in the standings on eight points following a 26-23 win over the Highlanders, with hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho scoring two tries.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 22, 2026 08:31 UTC