A controversial refereeing decision in the dying moments of the Super Rugby Pacific match between the Brumbies and the Crusaders has ignited a firestorm of debate, leaving Brumbies fans and commentators alike fuming. The Crusaders snatched a narrow 33-31 victory at GIO Stadium on Friday, May 30, 2025, a result that significantly impacts the Brumbies' chances of securing a home semi-final and potentially winning the competition.
The pivotal moment occurred in the 75th minute with the Brumbies leading 31-28. Crusaders winger Sevu Reece appeared to knock the ball on while attempting to gather it from the base of a ruck. However, referee James Doleman waved play on, deeming the ball had come off Reece's foot. This decision was immediately met with disbelief and anger, as replays clearly showed the knock-on.
The Crusaders capitalized on the missed call, earning a penalty and setting up an attacking opportunity. From the ensuing rolling maul, replacement hooker George Bell crashed over the line to score, putting the Crusaders ahead 33-31 with just minutes remaining. Despite a late surge from the Brumbies, they were unable to breach the Crusaders' defense, and a knock-on from Corey Toole sealed their fate.
The controversial decision has been widely condemned by rugby pundits and fans. Former Wallaby Morgan Turinui described it as an "absolute gaffe" and "disgraceful," criticizing the assistant referee, Fraser Hannon, for failing to intervene despite having a clear view of the incident. Turinui argued that the missed knock-on cost the Brumbies a home semi-final and significantly hampered their chances of winning the Super Rugby Pacific title.
Adding fuel to the fire, Super Rugby Pacific officials had recently introduced a law change allowing referees to review mistakes in the "attacking phase" leading up to tries. However, because a penalty was awarded in this instance, the Television Match Official (TMO) was unable to intervene, further intensifying the frustration and sense of injustice.
Brumbies players expressed their disappointment and frustration after the match. Playmaker Noah Lolesio admitted to being "lost for words," while acting captain Ryan Lonergan acknowledged the missed knock-on but emphasized that his team had other opportunities to win the game.
Despite the controversial ending, the Brumbies' performance also came under scrutiny. They conceded three first-half tries and trailed 25-14 at halftime, failing to match the Crusaders' physicality and decision-making in the early stages of the match. While they mounted a strong comeback in the second half, their inability to maintain consistency throughout the game ultimately proved costly.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham acknowledged the impact of the loss on their chances of reaching the final, stating that it makes it "a little bit harder." However, he refrained from directly criticizing the refereeing, expressing confidence in the officials and acknowledging that mistakes happen in every game.
The Brumbies now face a challenging path to the Super Rugby Pacific final. The loss sees them finish behind the Crusaders in third place. The team will need to regroup quickly and focus on their upcoming matches if they hope to overcome this setback and contend for the title.
The fallout from this controversial finish is likely to continue, with ongoing debates about the standard of officiating and the impact of refereeing decisions on the outcome of crucial matches. While the Brumbies will undoubtedly feel aggrieved by the circumstances of their defeat, they must channel their frustration into a determined effort to bounce back and prove their worth in the remaining stages of the competition.
