Brumbies loss to error-prone Crusaders 'makes you wonder' what could have been
Brumbies fans were left wondering what might have been if they had fielded a full-strength side against an error-prone Crusaders.
The visitors went down 35-17 in Christchurch, ending their unbeaten run of four matches in this year's Super Rugby Pacific season.
Key players were rested for the trip to New Zealand, namely Wallabies stars James Slipper, Rob Valetini, Pete Samu, Nic White, and Tom Wright.
Watch the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season on the home of rugby, Stan Sport. All matches streaming ad free, live and on demand
The aforementioned men were omissions from the side due to the Rugby World Cup resting policy.
Leicester Fainga'anuku celebrates after scoring a try during the round five Super Rugby Pacific match between Crusaders and ACT Brumbies. Joe Allison via Getty Images
That took the shine off of Friday night's competition according to former All Blacks star Justin Marshall, who said pre-match that the clash was no longer the blockbuster fixture some had hoped for.
Those fears were realised when the Brumbies failed to make the most of several errors by the home side.
READ MORE: Ponga's desperate move to save NRL career
READ MORE: Huge 'honour' unveiled for Dolphins-Broncos
READ MORE: Axe falls at McLaren after nightmare F1 start
READ MORE: Troubled star blindsided by club after allegations
In the end, the win continued a streak for the Crusaders, who haven't lost at home to the Brumbies since 2009.
"There has always historically been a very good rivalry between these two sides," said Marshall after the match.
ACT Brumbie coach Steven Larkham after his side's loss to the Crusaders. Stan Sport
"There's a lot of history there and regardless of the fact that the Brumbies left a few soldiers at home, they still fronted up.
"It was a contest all the way. The Crusaders always did seem to be in control.
"It makes you wonder what the Brumbies could have achieved had they bought some of those key players with them, but they do show that they have squad depth.
"They are a side to be reckoned with in this competition again. Equally, so will the Crusaders who have got their fair share of injuries as well.
"At home, they've managed to get the job done convincingly with a bonus point in the bank as well."
It's the third win for the Crusaders this season and the first since Scott Robertson's appointment as the All Blacks head coach.
"They had their own opportunity to score and go into the half with the wind at their back and in a really good position," Marshall added.
"That can be quite demoralising when that happens to you.
"They still did come out in the second half and construct some good tries, but I think the inevitable happened at the end of the day."
The Brumbies will face the Waratahs in round six on April 1 in Canberra.
Eddie Jones' remarkable career in pictures: Wallabies coach's tortured Rugby World Cup history
