CHRISTCHURCH, 22 February 2026 – The ACT Brumbies have arrived at Apollo Projects Stadium today with a singular mission: to break a 26-year drought in Christchurch and capitalise on a rare moment of vulnerability from the defending champion Crusaders.
The Round 2 Super Rugby Pacific clash serves as a critical “right the ship” moment for the Crusaders. Following a shock 25-23 loss to the Highlanders in the opening round—a match marred by 17 handling errors and uncharacteristic defensive lapses—the Christchurch-based powerhouse finds itself in the unusual position of chasing their first win of the season. Conversely, the Brumbies enter the contest full of confidence after a dominant 56-24 victory over the Western Force last week.
Milestone for James Slipper
The match holds significant historical weight for Brumbies prop James Slipper, who runs out for his 200th Super Rugby appearance today. Slipper, a stalwart of Australian rugby, becomes one of the few players to reach the double-century mark, a journey that began 16 years ago with the Queensland Reds. His experience will be vital as the Brumbies attempt to navigate the hostile environment of Christchurch, where they have not tasted victory since 2000.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
While the Brumbies currently sit atop the ladder, history heavily favours the hosts. The Crusaders have historically dominated this fixture, winning nine of their last ten encounters. The Brumbies’ “Christchurch Hoodoo” is one of the longest-running streaks in Southern Hemisphere rugby, but winger Corey Toole noted earlier this week that the squad feels better equipped than ever to “snap the hoodoo.”
| Statistic | Crusaders | ACT Brumbies |
|---|---|---|
| Total Super Rugby Wins (All-Time) | 316 | 259 |
| Average Points Scored | 30.4 | No Data |
| Recent H2H (Last 10) | 9 Wins | 1 Win |
| Home Finals Record | 30-0 | N/A |
| Longest Winning Streak | 19 Matches | No Data |
Key Matchups and Team News
The Crusaders have leaned on their All Black-heavy bench to provide second-half impact, a tactic that nearly saved them against the Highlanders but ultimately fell short. Coach Rob Penney has demanded a clinical performance to avoid an 0-2 start to their title defence.
The Brumbies have opted for consistency, naming an unchanged lineup from the side that dismantled the Force in the searing Perth heat. The battle at the breakdown will be decisive, as the Brumbies look to exploit the handling errors that plagued the Crusaders’ opening weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the last time the Brumbies beat the Crusaders in Christchurch?
The Brumbies have not won a Super Rugby match in Christchurch for 26 years, with their last victory in the city occurring in 2000.
How did both teams perform in Round 1?
The Crusaders suffered a narrow 25-23 loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin. The Brumbies secured a comprehensive 56-24 win against the Western Force, placing them at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific table heading into Round 2.
What milestone is being celebrated today?
Brumbies prop James Slipper is playing his 200th Super Rugby match, a landmark achievement in his 16th season of professional rugby.
Where is the match being played?
The match is being held at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand.