0/14.
The record of Australian teams playing in Super Rugby finals matches makes for ugly reading. However, the ACT Brumbies know they have one of the best chances yet to break the drought.
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Stephen Larkham's men will need to become the first (and second) Australian team to win a finals game in New Zealand in order to lift the Super Rugby Pacific title, starting with a semi-final date against the Chiefs.
The premier side in Australian Rugby is buoyed with confidence, with no other Australian side tasting success over their Kiwi counterparts in the finals since the Waratahs in 2018.
"I saw a stat on TV that no Australian team had won in 14 (finals) games in New Zealand and we definitely want to put an end to that," backrower Tom Hooper said on Monday.
"Someone's got to be the first so why can't it be us? The Brumbies have a really good history in finals footy so hopefully we can keep that going.
"There's a lot to play for."
“We haven’t mentioned (the 0/14 record) but no doubt they’ll be writing about it in the papers now so they’ll be reading it," coach Stephen Larkham added.
“We’ve got to make sure we’re not getting overawed by the situation so there’s no point bringing up it’s a semi-final. All games in Super Rugby are intense and Test match quality when you come up against the best teams in the comp and we’ve experienced a number of those this year already.
“If we get our preparation right and have the right mindset coming into the game then it’s a game like any other.”
The Brumbies know better than most about the difficulty of winning finals games in New Zealand, losing five of their 14. This includes a loss to the Chiefs in 2013 in the final whilst the large majority of the squad remains from 2022's heartbreaking one-point defeat in Auckland to the Blues.
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au looks at every Australian defeat in Super Rugby finals in New Zealand.
2023 - Chiefs 29 def Reds 20
It's fitting to start with how we got into this position.
Last week, the Reds pushed the Chiefs all the way in Hamilton, leading with ten minutes to go.
They outscored the hosts three tries to two but the boot of Damian McKenzie allowed the Chiefs to tick over the scoreboard.
A late try to Pita Gus Sowakula sealed the win and set up this clash with the Brumbies.
2023 - Blues 41 def Waratahs 12
It was a contrast to the Waratahs, who were blown off the park against the Blues
They scored 38 unanswered points as they showcased the form that got them into the Trans-Tasman final.
Tries on either side of the break helped take the contest away from the Waratahs, once again eliminated in the quarter-finals by a Kiwi side in New Zealand
2022 - Blues 20 def Brumbies 19
The closest a team has come to an elusive playoff win in NZ.
The Blues looked certain to close out the Brumbies when they took a 20-7 half-time lead, only for a double to Lachlan Lonergan giving the visitors life.
Noah Lolesio’s last minute drop goal was blocked whilst they were desperately unlucky not to win a penalty that would’ve given the half a chance to clinch the game.
2022- Crusaders 37 def Reds 15
The Crusaders overpowered the Reds to secure their second win in consecutive weeks over Brad Thorn’s men.
Like in 2023, the Reds started strong and narrowly trailed with 30 minutes to go.
However, two quick tries ended any hope of a comeback as Will Jordan sealed the win and the start of their march to the title.
2022 - Chiefs 39 def Waratahs 15
The Chiefs punished the Waratahs in Hamilton to end their rapid revival.
It was built off the back of a dominant first half as the hosts took a 27-10 lead into the break.
Brad Weber scored a double as they cruised to victory with a controlled second half.
2013 (Final) - Chiefs 27 def Brumbies 22
Another one that got away from the Brumbies.
Jake White’s side took a 16-9 lead into the break and two further penalties to Christian Lealiifano had Canberra fans dreaming of a title.
However, man-of-the-match Liam Messam turned the tide with a try, followed over by Robbie Robinson to take an unlikely lead, holding on for dear life to claim their second straight championship.
2013 - Crusaders 38 def Reds 9
The Crusaders got revenge for 2011 with a near-perfect performance against the Reds.
Ryan Crotty set the tempo early as their defence stood up, with the visitors’ points coming from a trio of Quade Cooper penalty goals.
Meanwhile, Dan Carter scored 20 points as Crotty’s second sealed the win for the hosts.
2011 - Blues 26 def Waratahs 13
The Blues outgunned the Waratahs in a tense encounter.
The visitors started strong through Tom Cater for an early lead before Lachie Munro took over the game.
He scored six minutes after Carter’s effort before nailing a trio of penalties as they kicked clear for the victory.
2008 (Final) - Crusaders 20 def Waratahs 12
The Waratahs had their dream of a maiden title crushed once again by the Crusaders.
A double to Lachie Turner gave them a 12-6 lead before Mose Tuiali’i crossed right before the break.
The boot of Dan Carter extended the lead for the hosts, with the Waratahs unable to capitalise on a yellow card to outgoing Reds coach Brad Thorn.
2006 - Hurricanes 16 def Waratahs 14
The Waratahs pushed the Hurricanes all the way in front of a packed Sky Stadium.
Having lost their clash a week earlier, the ‘Tahs looked set for a famous victory when they hit the front with ten minutes to go.
However, a late penalty from Jimmy Gopperth from halfway proved the difference and denied back-to-back finals for the NSW side.
2005 (Final) - Crusaders 35 def Waratahs 25
The Crusaders continued their stranglehold on Super Rugby, claiming yet another title.
An early try to Scott Hamilton and the boot of Dan Carter gave the hosts an early lead before they kicked clear.
21 unanswered points put the game out the reach for the Waratahs despite a couple of late tries to Matt Rogers
2003 - Blues 42 def Brumbies 21
The Blues took advantage of a depleted Brumbies side to cruise into the finals.
The Brumbies snuck into the finals and with backline trio Stephen Larkham, Andrew Walker and Matt Giteau going down with injury, struggled to handle the Blues’ firepower.
The Blues were ruthless as they took a 22-0 half-time lead, kicking clear in the second half for victory.
2002 (Final) - Crusaders 31 def Brumbies 13
The Brumbies couldn’t repeat their magic after thumping semi-final over the Waratahs, dominated by the Crusaders.
Marika Vunibaka’s storming effort gave the hosts an 11-3 ahead the break before Andrew Walker’s 13 points got the visitors back in the contest
Caleb Ralph then blew the Brumbies away in the last ten minutes, scoring a quick double to seal the title.
1997 - Blues 23 def Brumbies 7
The drought started in the 1997 final as the Blues claimed back-to-back titles.
Tries to Craig Dowd and Michael Jones allowed the hosts to build a commanding lead.
Fullback Adrian Cashmore contributed 13 points as they controlled the contest for the win.
