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CANBERRA - A potentially crippling blow or a case of perfect Super 14 rugby scriptwriting? The Crusaders insisted it was the latter as they jetted back to Christchurch today with dented pride and a few areas to work on after a fired-up Brumbies snatched a 15-6 victory at Canberra Stadium last night.
Inspired by their departing legends George Gregan, Stephen Larkham and Jeremy Paul, all playing their final matches in Canberra, the Brumbies defended ferociously and emulated South Africa's Lions in keeping the defending champions try-less.
Four penalty goals, and Larkham's cool 20m dropped goal in the 78th minute, was enough after the hosts led 9-3 at halftime.
"They put us under pressure, they were desperate and playing for their season, as well as the extra stuff (farewells)," Crusaders captain Richie McCaw said.
The All Blacks reconditioning programme might still be having its effect, said McCaw, who with his fellow internationals only returned to match action a month ago.
"Even our guys who have been around a bit longer, it's just a reminder of the intensity we've got to get to at the business end of the season. Perhaps we weren't quite there, even though we thought we were."
It left the Crusaders still atop a clogged points table but not guaranteed a home semifinal with the resurgent Chiefs looming on the quick back-up in Christchurch on Friday night.
The Brumbies kept their playoff chances alive, and now need to beat the Highlanders in Dunedin and hope other results go their way.
Not a lot went right for McCaw's men. Even superstar Dan Carter couldn't kick a penalty on the final whistle to grab a bonus point and ensure a top-two spot a week early. To end a difficult night, Carter was nursing a painful 'stinger' in his shoulder afterwards.
The Brumbies forced the Crusaders into errors as both sides struggled with the slippery ball, while their scrum and lineout put the red-and-blacks under pressure.
Led by man-of-the-match Paul and flanker Jone Tawake, the Brumbies started rolling forward and Gregan and Larkham pulled the strings expertly as they have here for the past 11 years.
McCaw rated it a timely wakeup call and a fitting farewell for the hometown heroes.
"Hopefully at the end of the season you look back and say it was the right time for things to happen." Two crucial moments consigned the Crusaders to defeat as they stayed in the match until the end.
With McCaw in the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on three minutes before halftime, Crusaders standout Aaron Mauger busted through and grubbered for Carter who just missed forcing the ball from a Mark Gerrard fumble.
Then in the 71st minute the Crusaders hammered the Brumbies line and looked try-bound but hooker Corey Flynn was penalised for not releasing the ball.
"That turnover was a pretty crucial call. That could have gone either way and it went against us. If we'd managed to stick there we had them under a bit of pressure," McCaw said.
Coach Robbie Deans said the Brumbies "upped the ante" to playoff intensity, leaving some battered bodies in the visitors' changing room, and showed more desire on their big farewell night.
With just a six-day gap, Deans was wary of the in-form Chiefs who have the imposing task of halting the Crusaders' 26-match unbeaten streak at home.
"They're a capable side, they've got some real threats and they've shown the way they score at the death when it really matters. "
- NZPA
