The Brumbies have fallen flat in several areas so far this season, but one statistic exposes the biggest flaw in their performances. The Brumbies are the worst team for conceding tries after half-time.

Coach Dan McKellar knows it. The players know it. Rival teams know it. And the Crusaders took full advantage, scoring three tries in the vulnerable period and turn a seven-point deficit into a 19-7 lead.

The 20-minute period after the break has haunted the Brumbies in several games this year and they need to do something to fix it before it ruins their season.

They tried something new in Christchurch, returning to the field early for a pre-second half warm up in a bid to break the worrying trend. It obviously didn't work, but at least they tried something new.

The Brumbies were missing several key players in New Zealand, but one name sticks out more than most: David Pocock.

The superstar flanker has played just one full game this season after being hindered by concussion and calf problems since before round one.

He has been sorely missed. Opposition teams make him a target and when he's on the field, it opens up space for his Brumbies teammates.

The Brumbies have taken a cautious approach with his return from his latest calf strain, opting not to rush him into a trip to New Zealand. But they can't afford to wait any longer for his return.

The only positive to come of his early-season absence is he has now fulfilled his Wallabies rest requirements.

Is it time for an injection of fresh blood, or should the Brumbies stick with the same side for the first time this year?

McKellar has chopped and changed his side every week so far this season, partly due to Wallabies resting rules, partly due to injuries and partly due to form.

They are yet to find the perfect mix and inconsistencies are creeping into their game. Scott Sio, Rory Arnold and Folau Faingaa will all make their returns next week and Pocock should join them.

But who's worth taking a chance on? Tom Wright or Jordan Jackson-Hope could ignite the back line, or is young gun Mack Hansen worth the risk?

Toni Pulu made his comeback from a fractured cheekbone on Saturday and was strong, setting up a consolation try for Tevita Kuridrani. But He also spend 10 minutes in the sin bin for a high tackle.

The Brumbies were always up against the odds in Christchurch, a place they haven't tasted victory in 19 years. It was the Crusaders' first game at home since a terror attack rocked the city three weeks ago.

The win against the Brumbies stretches their hometown winning streak to 23 games in a row and they're unbackable favourites to win another Super Rugby championship.

The demolished the Brumbies after half-time, scoring all five tries after half-time and cruising the victory. For the Brumbies - they still haven't won in New Zealand since 2014 and haven't beaten the Crusaders in 10 years.

It's easy to get caught up in winning or losing, but if ever there was a game that showed there was more to life than rugby, it was on Saturday.

Brumbies players, coaches and officials paused to remember Shawn MacKay, who died in South Africa 10 years ago. Captain Christian Lealiifano is the only current Brumby who played with MacKay, but the significance of the day wasn't lost on the rest of the group.

The Brumbies have an end-of-season award named in recognition of MacKay and his memory lives in with the new generation of players.

The sombre trip to Christchurch also included a visit to one of the mosques, which was attacked on March 15.

AT A GLANCE

CANTERBURY CRUSADERS 36 (Will Jordan 2, Samu Reece 2, Jordan Taufua tries; Richie Mo'unga 3, Brett Cameron conversions; Brett Cameron penalty) bt ACT BRUMBIES 14 (Christian Lealiifano, Tevita Kuridrani tries; Christian Lealiifano 2 conversions) at Christchurch on Saturday. Referee: Jaco Peyper.