The Albany Gazette - Brumbies end 26-year jinx with thrashing of Crusaders

In-form loose forward Charlie Cale scored two of the visitors' eight tries in their first win in Christchurch since 2000, ending a losing streak that stretched 12 games.

The Canberra-based side lead the standings after two rounds, having claimed successive bonus point wins.

They are ahead of Australian rivals the New South Wales Waratahs on points differential, while New Zealand's Waikato Chiefs are the third team boasting two wins from two.

The defending champion Crusaders have lost both of their matches.

Retired Wallabies prop Slipper became the first Australian to bring up the 200-game milestone and he is close to passing the all-time record, held by former Crusaders and All Blacks prop Wyatt Crockett.

Brumbies captain Ryan Lonergan paid tribute to 36-year-old Slipper but said his team weren't motivated by the milestone, nor by ending their miserable record in Christchurch.

"We actually didn't speak about it too much in the buildup throughout the week," Lonergan said.

"We just stuck to what we needed to get done.

"I'm super stoked to be able to do it for big Jimmy on his 200th. He got a try for it as well."

Slipper's try on the half-hour mark helped the Brumbies to a 19-14 halftime lead.

The Crusaders had the benefit of a strong wind at their back in the second half and were still in touch at 31-24 down going into the final 10 minutes.

However, late tries to forwards Liam Bowron and Rob Valetini and winger Corey Toole secured the outcome.

"When we got up their end we knew it was crucial to come away with points and we did that throughout the whole game," Lonergan said.

"It's massive for us to come over here and win. It's all building towards something special, I think."

The Brumbies opened their season with a 56-24 thrashing of Western Force in Perth, and will face the Auckland Blues next week.

The Crusaders will play the Waikato Chiefs in a repeat of last year's final.

(N.Miller--TAG)