![\"Brumbies](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/brumbies-v-moana-pasifika-30-may-2026-1165x1200.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Brumbies up against Moana Pasifika in May 2026. Photo: Jayzie Photography.<\/p>\n
There was a certain amount of irony in the timing of a combined ACT Brumbies, ACT Government and Nielsen Sports survey seeking feedback from fans who attended Super Rugby matches at Canberra Stadium in 2026.<\/p>\n
The survey popped up in the inbox just hours before the Brumbies suffered the worst defeat in their 31-year history.<\/p>\n
The Hurricanes ran in nine tries to demolish the Brumbies 66-12 in Wellington in the qualifying final.<\/p>\n
Many saw the record loss coming earlier in the season as they stuttered to losses to Fiji, NSW, Queensland and the Hurricanes, before succumbing to Moana in the final round of the regular season.<\/p>\n
This was after the Brumbies showed so much promise in the opening rounds, with victories over the Force, Crusaders and Blues.<\/p>\n
![\"Some](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/674358999-1720964769062197-2460292340266349111-n-e1776643145547-1200x891.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Referee James Doleman in the thick of things as the Brumbies went down to the Drua at GIO Stadium in April 2026. Photo: Jaye Grieshaber.<\/p>\n
Watching games as a spectator rather than a commentator for the first time this season really provides a different perspective.<\/p>\n
I started looking at games from an entertainment perspective, as well as from a skill-level and competitiveness standpoint.<\/p>\n
When considering these aspects, it\u2019s worth comparing with the Raiders.<\/p>\n
The atmosphere at Raiders games was exciting. This was missing when the Brumbies played at home over the past couple of years.<\/p>\n
This issue is much broader than the Brumbies, though, as there\u2019s currently a lack of player recognition and exposure of the code within the wider community across the entire Australian rugby scene.<\/p>\n
That lack of atmosphere at Canberra Stadium has become a contributing factor in how fans feel about rugby, no matter the skills on display.<\/p>\n
The Brumbies, at their best, were great to watch, but in the games against Fiji and Moana, I really could have headed to the carpark at half time.<\/p>\n
There was plenty of effort from the likes of Ryan Lonergan, Rob Valetini and Andy Muirhead, but fans felt a sense of despair as play continually broke down.<\/p>\n
![\"Ryan](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/648906726-1551632366353695-3877277976765032034-n.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Ryan Lonergan has been exceptional for the Brumbies in 2026. Photo: Jayzie Photography.<\/p>\n
In the end, there was a sense of relief when the Brumbies put together a couple of phases, while there were groans at every uncontested box kick.<\/p>\n
At times, it looked as though running rugby was a relic from the Brumbies\u2019 glory days, but it is still there. Just watch the Hurricanes play.<\/p>\n
The conservative approach adopted by the Brumbies for much of the season could simply be a reflection of the playing talent at Steve Larkham\u2019s disposal.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m not sure whether the season survey will reflect anything more than disquiet at the inflated prices of chips and pies but, if possible, it should be an avenue for expressing frustration at the way the game is being played.<\/p>\n
This is not confined to the Brumbies but to the code in general and to the interpretation of the rules by the match officials.<\/p>\n
Sometimes you don\u2019t need a survey when the issues are so glaringly obvious.<\/p>\n