For the third straight season, the Brumbies’ Super Rugby campaign has come to a miserable end in the semi-finals across the ditch.
Two years after being edged 20-19 at Eden Park, the Blues did it again at the same venue by winning 34-20.
The defeat came off the back of conceding four tries inside 20 minutes.
While New Zealand referee James Doleman made several perplexing decisions, the Brumbies were their own worst enemies by making simple errors.
The Brumbies struggled from the kick restart all evening, while their set-piece, especially their scrum, was taught a lesson.
“We’ve shown throughout the whole year that we have that fight, but it’s a tough lesson for us in finals, especially against the Blues at their home stadium, you give them that lead early on in the game and it’s a tough lesson for us,” captain Allan Alaalatoa said.
Sam Darry was one of four Blues players to score inside the opening 20 minutes against the Brumbies at Eden Park on June 14, 2024. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
The result continued Australian rugby’s hoodoo across the ditch in Super Rugby finals, with their winless run now extending to 18 matches since the competition started in 1996. No wonder why Stephen Larkham was left frustrated that his side couldn’t secure a top two spot.
Perhaps that explained the pitiful crowd at Eden Park, too.