Slipper hits 200 for the Brumbies ahead of Crusaders raid

The ACT Brumbies are heading back into enemy territory and they are doing it with the exact same squad that lit up Round 1.

For Sunday’s Round 2 blockbuster against the Canterbury Crusaders (1:35pm AEDT, February 22 at Apollo Projects Stadium), Stephen Larkham has named an unchanged matchday 23 for a clash that needs no extra hype: Australia’s perennial powerhouse versus New Zealand’s Super Rugby dynasty.

A Trans-Tasman heavyweight fight and a trip across the ditch with history written all over it.

Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season live and on demand via Stan Sport.

Sunday also marks a massive milestone for Brumbies evergreen prop James Slipper, who will notch up his 200th Super Rugby cap, a number that puts him in rare company across the competition’s 30-year history.

It also moves Slipper to within striking distance of the all-time Super Rugby appearance record, sitting just three games shy of breaking Wyatt Crockett’s mark of 202.

Head Coach Stephen Larkham said the milestone is fitting recognition for a player who embodies professionalism and what it means to be a Brumby.

“He is one of the most respected players in Australian rugby, and reaching 200 Super Rugby games is a huge achievement,” Larkham said. “He continues to set the standard with how he prepares, how he trains, and how he competes.”

ACT Brumbies vs Crusaders Round 2 Team
The Brumbies pack remains stacked and settled, with Slipper, Billy Pollard, and Rhys van Nek again forming the front row foundation.

Lachie Shaw and Cadeyrn Neville continue their partnership in the engine room, while the back row is purpose built for the battle ahead, featuring Round 1 standout Charlie Cale alongside Rob Valetini and Rory Scott.

The Brumbies will again be captained by Ryan Lonergan, steering the side from scrumhalf and partnering Declan Meredith in the halves after his two-try burst in the season opener.

In the midfield, Kadin Pritchard continues at outside centre after an impressive start in Brumbies colours, linking with the powerful David Feliuai.

Out wide, the Brumbies have strike power and speed to burn, with Corey Toole and Ollie Sapsford on the wings and Andy Muirhead again trusted at fullback.

The bench remains unchanged too and it is built to hit hard late.

Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Toby Macpherson, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, and Hudson Creighton are again named among the finishers, ready to bring impact when the match needs them most.

Larkham said the squad’s depth will be crucial as the season stretches on.

“The season is underway and we are confident, but we remain focused on improving and taking our performance to the next level,” he said. “The season can be a grind and we need to make sure our whole squad is fit and firing when it counts.”

Match Details – Round 2: Crusaders v ACT Brumbies
Date: Sunday, 22 February 2026
Kick-off: 1:35pm AEDT
Venue: Apollo Projects Stadium
Broadcast: Stan Sport