Brumbies v Crusaders recap: Crusaders secure second with late try

George Bell of the Crusaders celebrates after scoring in the closing stages to beat the Brumbies in Canberra. Photo / Photosport

The Crusaders denied a Brumbies comeback and secured second seed in the Super Rugby playoffs with a late try in Canberra last night with a 33-31 win.

Locked at 28-all with eight minutes to play, Noah Lolesi put the home side in front with a penalty which looked set to complete a comeback after the Brumbies trailed 28-14 shortly after halftime.

But after giving up 17 unanswered points, the Crusaders reclaimed the lead with two minutes remaining when George Bell dived over off a rolling maul.

The Crusaders will host the fifth ranked team in next week’s quarter-finals. The Brumbies will remain at home to play the fourth seed - either the Reds or the Hurricanes.

Crusaders team to face the Brumbies

Coach Rob Penney has made several changes to his side this week with the playoffs on the horizon.

There are six personnel changes in the starting XV to meet the Brumbies, including the return of loose forward Ethan Blackadder.

The Crusaders’ vice-captain will line up at blindside flanker, with Antonio Shalfoon replacing Jamie Hannah at lock the only other change in the pack.

There’s plenty of movement in the backline, however.

Noah Hotham starts at halfback, Dallas McLeod and Levi Aumua make up the midfield combination, while Chay Fihaki returns on the right wing, seeing Sevu Reece move to the left.

On the bench, Tahlor Cahill replaces Quinten Strange, while Braydon Ennor dons the No 23 after starting at centre last week.

Crusaders: 1. George Bower 2. Codie Taylor 3. Tamaiti Williams 4. Scott Barrett 5. Antonio Shalfoon 6. Ethan Blackadder 7. Tom Christie 8. Christian Lio-Willie 9. Noah Hotham 10. Rivez Reihana 11. Sevu Reece 12. Dallas McLeod 13. Levi Aumua 14. Chay Fihaki 15. Johnny McNicholl.

Bench: 16. George Bell 17. Lewis Ponini 18. Seb Calder 19. Tahlor Cahill 20. Corey Kellow 21. Kyle Preston 22. James O’Connor 23. Braydon Ennor.

Unavailable: Fletcher Newell (Achilles), Kershawl Sykes-Martin (neck), Will Jordan (knee), Taha Kemara (knee, season), Dom Gardner (foot, season), Finlay Brewis (shoulder, season).