Brumbies Coach Larkham Urges Caution After Strong Start

Brumbies top table after dominant wins, Andy Muirhead runs through to score a try 

ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has stressed that his side remains grounded despite their flawless start to the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, which includes a historic end to a 26-year winless run in Christchurch.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham warns against complacency after unbeaten start to Super Rugby season...

The Canberra-based team demolished defending champions Canterbury Crusaders 50-24 away last weekend, scoring eight tries for a bonus-point victory and their first triumph in the city since 2000, following an opening-round thrashing of the Western Force. That has left them top of the table with 106 points scored across two games.

Larkham, who has named an unchanged starting XV (led by veteran prop James Slipper) for Saturday's home clash against the Auckland Blues, insisted there is “no complacency” in the camp, with the focus firmly on maintaining standards rather than celebrating early success.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham is keeping a level head despite his team's great start to the Super Rugby season. They recently ended a 26-year winless drought in Christchurch with a 50-24 thrashing of the defending champions, Canterbury Crusaders, snapping a 12-game losing streak in the city.

Larkham's caution comes after the Brumbies' impressive performance, showing they're not getting too confident. 

The Reds' strong start continued with a dominant win, earning them 106 points from two games and keeping them top of the standings.

Larkham has named the same team for the third week running, with James Slipper leading the charge, and warns against complacency ahead of Saturday's home clash with Auckland Blues. 

“Like the first round, where the score was very favourable against the Force, 50 points in any game is a good result,” he said.

“But we're not getting carried away with ourselves. It's the second round of the competition.

“The Crusaders defence is renowned for being very good over the last couple of years. The same with the Blues, they had the best defensive record in the competition last year so we'll be facing a very similar picture this weekend.”

We still can't get over this try from Ben Donaldson! 😍

Will we see a nail-biting classic this weekend when the @westernforce travel to Pukekohe to take on @MoanaPasifika_? ✨#SuperRugbyPacific #SRP30 pic.twitter.com/3x6ai2jLCa

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) February 26, 2026

The Blues are coming off a tough 42-32 win over Western Force in Perth, bouncing back from a narrow loss to Waikato Chiefs in their season opener.

“The Brumbies are well-organised and have started their season well. They will be tough competitors, particularly at home, but we are up for the challenge,” said coach Vern Cotter.

“Winning collisions and staying in the game for 80 minutes is key for us.

“We've shown improvements across the first two weeks and I think we can go a lot further.”

Queensland Reds coach Cotter has made changes to his front row due to Joshua Fusitu'a's elbow injury. Ofa Tu'ungafasi will move to loosehead prop, while Kurt Eklund comes in at hooker.

Lock Sam Darry is back in the starting lineup after missing last week's match with a head knock. The backline remains the same for the third consecutive game.