Brumbies denied win by late Crusaders try

The ACT Brumbies have seen their Canberra fortress raided by the Crusaders, who snatched a top-two spot on the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific ladder in a thrilling final-round clash.

While the Chiefs locked down the No.1 ranking with a 41-24 win over the Highlanders earlier yesterday night, the Brumbies and Crusaders met in a battle for second position, with the Kiwi outfit victorious, 33-31.

The visitors hit the front in the 76th minute with reserve hooker George Bell peeling off a maul to dive over.

His try came after referee James Doleman missed an apparent knock-on by Sevu Reece in the previous play.

With little more than a minute to play, it looked like Brumbies winger Corey Toole might put his side back in the lead as he pin-balled through the defence, but Scott Barrett dislodged the ball from his arms three metres from the try line.

The third-placed Brumbies, the top-ranked Australian side, will now host the team that finishes fourth - the Hurricanes or Queensland - in the qualifying finals next weekend.

By finishing in the top two, the Crusaders are now guaranteed to host a home semi-final provided they win next week.

The Brumbies trailed 25-14 at halftime with the Crusaders dominant in every aspect, with their line speed in defence and physicality at the breakdown causing the home side headaches.

But the Brumbies started the second half with intent, with prop Rhys Van Nek burrowing across.

The Brumbies then set up a heart-stopping finish when they drew level at 28-28 with their opponents after Noah Lolesio converted a try by Andy Muirhead in the 56th minute.

After some quick hands, Muirhead still had plenty of work to do, but the winger showed his will to drag three defenders across the line.

A penalty strike by Lolesio then put his team ahead with eight minutes to play, but the Crusaders - the most successful team in the competition's history with 14 titles - wouldn't be denied.

In other matches, the Blues will take on the Waratahs at 4.35pm today, the Hurricanes meet Moana Pasifika at 7.05 tonight, and the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will face the Reds at 9.35 tonight.