INSANE SCENES! Crusaders undone by crazy penalty try leaving fans in awe

brumbies-crusaders

The Crusaders suffered their tenth defeat of the Super Rugby Pacific season, falling to the Brumbies in remarkable circumstances.

It was a nervy end to the match in Canberra for the defending champions as Brumbies fly-half Noah Lolesio lined up a difficult shot at goal with time up on the clock.

However, the New Zealanders looked to have been let off the hook and on track to seal a draw against the high-flying Brumbies, but Lolesio hit the upright.

Crusaders penalty try

With players from both sides scrambling for the ball, Crusaders‘ lock Quinten Strange slapped the ball over the deadball line with Brumbies replacement scrum-half Harrison Goddard breathing down his neck.

After a TMO check, referee Ben O’Keeffe issued a yellow card to Strange and awarded the Brumbies a penalty try which sealed their 31-24 victory.

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“One of the most bizarre ways I’ve ever seen a game finish. Ball slapped dead, penalty try, game over. Just about sums up Crusaders’ season!” read one reaction to the events on social media.

There were those who questioned whether it should have been a penalty try with journalist Liam Napier posting: “Yellow card, sure. But not sure how that’s a penalty try. There’s three other Crusaders players there. Helluva way to end the Saders play-off hopes.”

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But others felt that the officials got the decision right.

“100% the right call. Can only put the offence down to desperation – he must have known the law. Poor decisions can become infectious when a team is losing a lot,” EK Rugby added.

Brumbies claim home play-off, Crusaders’ title defence ends

The loss ends the Crusaders’ title defence as they fail to reach the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs, while the Brumbies secured a home play-off match, beating the ‘Saders for the first time in 15 years.

Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright and Rob Valetini all crossed for tries for the hosts, who led for most of the match, with Lolesio landing two conversions.

Jonny McNicholl, Sevu Reece, and Noah Hotham scored the Crusaders’ tries, with Fergus Burke converting all three and Chay Fihaki adding a penalty.