Super Rugby: Crusaders crushed by Brumbies in Christchurch
· RNZBy Michael Church for Reuters
The Brumbies have handed defending champions Canterbury Crusaders a 50-24 thrashing on Sunday to pick up their first win in Christchurch since 2000.
Prop James Slipper celebrated his 200th appearance in the competition with a try while Charlie Cale scored twice and hooker Liam Bowron crossed the line eight minutes from time to launch a late flurry that killed hopes of a Crusaders comeback.
Flanker Rob Valetini's try with two minutes remaining and a breakaway by hooker Corey Toole earned Stephen Larkham's team a bonus point to see them join New South Wales Waratahs at the top of the standings with 10 points from the opening two rounds.
"We wanted to put an effort in that would get us a result and we were up for the game," said Slipper. "I thought the boys did really well today and it's a special occasion for the lads.
"Most Aussie teams come here and put up the fight but never get the chocolates, so to come away with the result, and the way it ended up, it's a big result for us."
The Brumbies moved level with Australian rivals the Waratahs, who picked up their second win in a row with a 36-13 victory over the Fijian Drua on Friday with winger Max Jorgensen scoring a pair of tries in Sydney.
Replacement hooker Ioane Moananu also scored two tries for Dan McKellar's side with flanker Charlie Gamble and lock Angus Blyth crossing the line.
Meanwhile, the Waikato Chiefs sit in third in the standings on eight points following a 26-23 win over the Otago Highlanders, while the
Auckland Blues secured their first success of the new campaign with a 42-32 victory over hosts Western Force.
The Wellington Hurricanes also romped to a 52-10 win over Moana Pasifika in the New Zealanders' season-opener.
See how the Crusaders v Brumbies game unfolded here: