Coach Stephen Larkham said the Brumbies' sensational 33-24 come-from-behind win over the Chiefs would build confidence as they celebrated James Slipper becoming the most capped Super Rugby player ever in style.
The passing of the torch 🤝#SuperRugbyPacific #SRP30 #BRUvCHI pic.twitter.com/5hW7UOO0Va
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) March 20, 2026
Inspirational All Black Damian McKenzie steered the Chiefs to a 24-7 advantage on the hour mark in Canberra on Friday evening 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," 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."
Etched in history 👏
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) March 21, 2026
James Slipper is the most capped Super Rugby Player of all-time 🤩#SuperRugbyPacific #SRP30 pic.twitter.com/pNR4siD0C2
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.