Stephen Larkham has enjoyed remarkable moments every 12 years during his association with the ACT Brumbies, a prominent rugby team in Australia. In 2001, he shone as a playmaker when the Brumbies claimed their first Super Rugby title with a decisive 35-7 victory over the Blues at Auckland’s Eden Park. Twelve years later, in 2013, Larkham was an assistant coach when the Brumbies again triumphed over the Blues, this time with a tighter scoreline of 20-13.
Fast forward to a recent match where Larkham’s team, now experiencing a shaky start to the season at 1-2, has stunned the reigning champions, the Blues, with a narrow 21-20 victory at Eden Park. Despite an early try from Blues’ star Beauden Barrett, he was unfortunately sidelined in the second half due to a hand injury, shifting the momentum of the game in favour of the Brumbies.
After the match, veteran commentator Tony Johnson noted a rare display of emotion from Larkham, who appeared visibly moved by the victory. Even the legendary All Blacks player Jeff Wilson remarked on Larkham’s joy, recalling a past time when he expressed similar elation after winning a World Cup.
The Brumbies overcame a 20-10 halftime deficit with a steadfast defensive performance. Their determination culminated in a penalty kick by halfback Ryan Lonergan, sealing the win after a powerful scrum. Larkham, known for his composed demeanor, admitted feeling unusually fired up during the match.
James Slipper, a veteran prop for the Brumbies and the only player on the field from the 2013 triumph, celebrated his 186th Super Rugby appearance, marking his place in history. This victory was particularly meaningful for him, as it was his first win at Eden Park after more than a decade of challenging encounters.
Reflecting on the experience, Slipper shared his gratitude for the win at such a historic venue. He acknowledged the rarity of achieving victory at Eden Park against any team and how special it was after 12 years of waiting.
In the final tally, the Brumbies emerged victorious with a score of 21, thanks to tries from Allan Alaalatoa and Declan Meredith, alongside a successful penalty from Lonergan, while the Blues managed 20 points with tries from Barrett, Angus Ta’avao, and Rieko Ioane. This match not only contributes to the legacy of the Brumbies under Larkham’s guidance but also sparks hope as they aim to turn their season around.