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Brumbies mark Slipper record in thriller

The ACT Brumbies celebrated James Slipper becoming the most capped Super Rugby player ever in style. The Brumbies came from behind to claim a sensational 33-24 win against the Chiefs in Canberra on Friday. Inspirational All Black Damian McKenzie steered the Chiefs to a 24-7 advantage on the hour mark and they looked destined for victory. But the hosts came storming back with 26 unanswered points in the final 20 minutes. Wallabies winger Corey Toole converted try at the death sealed the points to spark celebrations for Slipper in his record 203rd game. The previous all-time appearance mark of 202 had been held by retired All Blacks and Crusaders great Wyatt Crockett since 2017. “The ones where you don’t win and you’ve got a milestone just don’t feel the same,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said of ensuring the veteran prop marked the occasion with victory. “It was great to see the boys play the way they did in that second half,” he added. “We’ve had a couple of those [close wins] this year, and it builds confidence.” It was welcome relief for the Brumbies, who lost their past two clashes after winning their opening three games of the season. But it was hugely disappointing for the Chiefs, who have now lost two from five. “I definitely feel like we could have won the game … so we’ve got to be better there,” Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson said. “I’m pretty frustrated. We just weren’t able to build enough continuity in our attack.” ALSO: Blues land ex-All Blacks coach After Slipper received a guard of honour from both teams, the Brumbies struck early with Hudson Creighton flying over in the opening five minutes. But the Chiefs responded with two converted first-half tries and a McKenzie penalty giving them a 17-7 lead at the break. That was stretched when McKenzie dotted down in the 56th minute before the Brumbies flicked a switch with three tries in 10 minutes to Ryan Lonergan, Charlie Cale and Declan Meredith. Toole then ran the length of the field with McKenzie chasing as the clock ticked down to clinch the win. Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images The post Brumbies mark Slipper record in thriller appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

2 hours ago

Blues land ex-All Blacks coach

A former All Blacks coach will replace Blues boss Vern Cotter at the end of the season. Jason Holland will take over the reins at the Auckland-based club on a three-year deal when Cotter leaves to take up a role with the Reds. It’s the latest chapter in an 18-year coaching career for Holland, who has built his reputation across both hemispheres. He has previously held assistant roles at Munster, the Crusaders and the Hurricanes, before stepping up as Hurricanes head coach, and more recently returning to the club in an assistant capacity. MORE: Rennie’s Japan stint sparks All Blacks concerns Holland said his immediate focus remains with his current role. “But the opportunity to join the Blues from 2027 is incredibly exciting,” he added. “It’s a club with a proud history and I see huge potential to add to that legacy.” His appointment comes amid wider changes in the coaching landscape, with Cotter heading to the Reds to replace Les Kiss. Holland had also recently stepped away from the All Blacks setup, opting not to renew his contract under then head coach Scott Robertson, who has since been replaced by Dave Rennie following mixed results. ALSO: Tony fires All Blacks warning While Holland prepares for his next move, his current side the Hurricanes are setting the pace in Super Rugby. They underlined their title credentials with a dominant 50-7 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday, running in eight tries in a ruthless attacking display. – AFP Photo: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images The post Blues land ex-All Blacks coach appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

2 hours ago