'Stoic genius' Stephen Larkham tears up after drought breaking Brumbies win at Eden Park
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Good things come every 12 years for Stephen Larkham.
The maestro was in his playmaking pomp in 2001 when the ACT Brumbies, en route to a first Super Rugby title, humiliated the Blues 35-7 at Eden Park.
And he was on the sidelines as an assistant coach in 2013 when the Canberra club beat the Blues 20-13 at New Zealand's rugby fortress.
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Blake Schoupp of the Brumbies celebrates on fulltime. Getty
Twelve years on it has happened again as the Brumbies shrugged off a sluggish start to the season to stun the defending champions 21-20 in Auckland.
"Well, Stephen Larkham, never one to show his emotions," veteran Kiwi commentator Tony Johnson noted after the fulltime whistle.
"He was a stoic genius as a player, but look at him now, he looks a little teary there, Stephen Larkham. And boy, what a proud moment, one of the great moments of his coaching career. I don't think I've ever seen him smile like that, and boy does he deserve it. His team was magnificent tonight."
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Stephen Larkham celebrates a famous win. Stan
Added All Blacks great Jeff Wilson: "He'd won a World Cup the last time he was this happy."
The Brumbies entered the contest under pressure at 1-2 after only losing two regular season games last year.
Things looked bleak when Beauden Barrett scooted over for an early try but the superstar didn't return in the second half after what was feared to be a serious hand injury.
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The Blues weren't the same in the second half and the Brumbies produced a superb defensive performance with halfback Ryan Lonergan then kicking the winning penalty after a dominant scrum gave him a shot at the sticks.
Larkham has the terrific nickname of 'Bernie' - a reference to the deceased character in Weekend at Bernie's.
He is as cool and composed as it gets - and yet for once he wasn't in the half time sheds as the Blues led 20-10.
It meant Larkham's television cross was delayed to the second half.
"I was actually a bit fired up," Larkham sheepishly admitted.
"It's very rare that I'm fired up, but I was fired up at half time and I had to go and compose myself. Went to the bathroom, looked in the mirror for a sec, came out and it was too late (to do the TV interview).
"We played the Blues twice and they demolished us with some of their carries last year, and we spoke about that."
Larkham played in the 1997 Super Rugby final at Eden Park, won 23-7 by the Blues.
Friday was also a special night for Brumbies prop James Slipper, who played his 186th Super Rugby game.
That took him clear of Aaron Smith into second place in the most-capped list, behind only fellow loosehead Wyatt Crockett (202).
Slipper was the only on field Brumbies survivor from their 2013 triumph and has never won on the ground through his illustrious Wallabies career.
"A great night. No one in our team's won here before, besides myself so it was a great feeling," the 35-year-old said.
Beauden Barrett of the Blues sits on the bench with an icepack on his wrist. Getty
"We've had a tough start to the year and we really wanted to come here and play some really good rugby against a tough team. So to play 186 games and win at Eden Park, I'll take it.
"How much longer do I have? I don't know, but I'm really enjoying my rugby at the moment. You've just got to enjoy these moments, you know, not often do you win at Eden Park against the Blues or any other team.
"It's taken me 12 years to win here again and it's one of those occasions that we will enjoy."
Declan Meredith of the Brumbies scores a try. Getty
Look out Auckland, Wilson inquired?
"I'll be in bed early," Slipper deadpanned.
Brumbies 21 (Allan Alaalatoa, Declan Meredith tries; Meredith con, 2 pen, Ryan Lonergan pen) Blues 20 (Beauden Barrett, Angus Ta'avao, Rieko Ioane tries; Barrett con, pen). HT: 10-20
