Brumbies vs Crusaders: That’s a statement, Lolesio’s successful return

The Crusaders have clinched a top-two spot going into the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs, beating the ACT Brumbies 33-31 at Canberra’s GIO Stadium. It was a thrilling contest which could’ve gone either way, tipping in the visitors’ favour late.

All Black George Bell crashed over with four minutes left. The Brumbies have a chance to steal it late, having reeled in the kick-off, but an unfortunate knock-on from winger Corey Toole sealed the win for the Crusaders.

Rivez Reihana was impressive for the Crusaders, and Noah Lolesio also stood tall in his first match back from injury. The Brumbies will finish the regular season in third place, hosting one of the qualifying finals next week.

Here are some takeaways.

That’s a statement from the Crusaders

The Crusaders are seriously the real deal.

Winning in Canberra is, historically, not an easy thing to do in Super Rugby. While the Brumbies had their chance to snatch in the dying stages, history will remember this round 16 clash as a win for the visitors at GIO Stadium.

After winning seven titles in as many years, the Crusaders fell to a surprisingly poor finish in 2024. Coach Rob Penney has helped get the best out of this group this time around, though, putting the horrors of last season to rest.

With a top-two spot on the line, the Crusaders took control during the first term, only for the hosts to fight their way back after the break. All Black George Bell scored the match-winner with only a few minutes left, and the team were good enough to hang on.

This is redemption for the Crusaders.

Winning in Canberra and clinching a top-two spot, that’s a statement.

Bring on the playoffs, because this match was a fairly nice entrée.

The Noah Lolesio debate needs to end

Joe Schmidt has made it fairly clear that Japan-bound Noah Lolesio can still play for the Wallabies against the British & Irish Lions, if the playmaker is clearly outperforming other contenders in Super Rugby Pacific.

James O’Connor is among those in the mix, having enjoyed a memorable season across the ditch with the Crusaders. Ben Donaldson and Tom Lynagh seem to be the others gunning for the 10 jersey, but they’re both relatively inexperienced at Test level.

That leaves Lolesio as another option.

Lolesio started a majority of Australia’s Tests at fly-half in 2024. The Wallabies only have one more Test between now and the first Lions Test, taking on Fiji in Newcastle, so it seems like a massive risk to change the team’s chief playmaker.

If we agree that Lolesio is the frontrunner anyway, then the playmaker’s performance against the Crusaders should all but settle the debate. Lolesio was confident, skilful and impactful in his return from injury.

In the 30^th minute, Lolesio took the line on and was rewarded, making a decent break up the field into the Crusaders’ 22. The Wallaby was otherwise reliable as a game-driver, allowing the likes of Len Ikitau and Corey Toole to play at their best.

Another moment to speak of came in the 57^th minute, with Lolesio nailing a tough shot at goal to level the scores at 28-all. It goes without saying really but composure is going to be crucial in the Lions Series.

Even though Lolesio has signed a short-term deal in Japan from next season, it wouldn’t make sense for the fly-half not to feature against the Lions. Lolesio is clearly Australia’s best option at No. 10, as we all saw on Friday night.

Blackadder’s back, tell a friend

‘Without Me’ is one of the most popular songs Eminem has ever released.

“Guess who’s back, back again,” the lyrics read.

“Shady’s back, tell a friend.”

Eminem wears a Robin superhero costume during the music video which is also iconic. About 40 seconds into the video, a comic book-style text box across the screen pops up, reading “word spread that our hero has returned.”

If you’re a Crusaders fan, that would’ve been the sentiment of some messages shared amongst friends and family when the team was announced to play the Brumbies. For the first time since April 18, Ethan Blackadder was named to return.

Unfortunately, injuries have stalled the backrower’s playing time over and over again. On this occasion, a niggly hamstring injury sidelined Blackadder, who last wore the famed red and black strip against the Blues in round 10.

With Blackadder spending a fair bit of time on the sidelines over the last 10 months or so, having suffered another injury on All Blacks duty in South Africa, it can be easy to forget just how good the loose forward can be.

Blackadder only played 40 minutes against the Brumbies, but it was a positive return nonetheless. At half-time, Blackadder had proven himself a menace around the breakdown with a game-high two turnovers.

The blindside flanker was otherwise solid on both sides of the ball, running the ball on a handful of occasions, and making the second-most tackles out of any Crusader with 12, only one behind teammate Tom Christie.

On top of that, Blackadder scored a try.

It seems unlikely Blackadder would miss All Blacks selection under Scott Robertson, so having the loose forward back on the park is important for all New Zealand rugby fans. This was definitely a step in the right direction.