"Beat the best" - Brumbies back row Charlie Cale looks forward to Crusaders challenge

The 25-year-old crossed for two tries and chalked up more than 20 tackles in a commanding all-round display that immediately reignited talk of higher honours.

But for Cale, the focus is far simpler. "Everyone's got a focus in the future of getting back in (to the Wallabies), but for myself, especially being injured for the last 12 months, I've got to earn a bit of respect back for the organisation I let down," he told reporters on Tuesday.

The two-time Wallaby has been open about the lessons learned during his rehabilitation. Time away from the game forced him to reassess how he approaches both performance and expectation.

"I probably made that mistake of thinking about the future in the past and worrying about what people think of you. But in 90 per cent of this game, you don't have a lot of control over what goes on."

Now fully fit and back in the starting side, Cale is part of an unchanged Brumbies matchday 23 set to travel to Christchurch for Sunday’s blockbuster against the Crusaders at Apollo Projects Stadium. The fixture doubles as a rematch of the 2004 grand final and presents one of the sternest challenges in Super Rugby.

The Crusaders may be coming off an opening-round loss to the Highlanders, but history shows they are rarely down for long. With 13 Super Rugby titles to their name, including championships in 2022, 2023 and 2025, and two regional titles in 2020 and 2021, they remain the benchmark of the competition.

Cale knows exactly what awaits. "It's the Crusaders, they're the best team in the comp. They've won seven of the last eight, or whatever it's been so any time you're against any New Zealand team, especially Crusaders, it's going to be a big game."

The Brumbies’ forward pack, led by veteran prop James Slipper in his milestone 200th Super Rugby appearance, will need to be at its abrasive best. Cale will again combine with Rob Valetini and Rory Scott in a back row that set the tone physically last weekend.

Historically, Christchurch has been a daunting venue for the Canberra side, who have claimed just one win in their past five games against the Crusaders. Yet belief within the group is growing, particularly after last season’s breakthrough 21-20 win over the Blues at Eden Park, a result that proved they can win in New Zealand against elite opposition.

"I think we welcome the challenge. I can only compare it to the win at Eden Park against the Blues. That win gave us a lot of confidence and if we are to beat the Crusaders at their home ground, that would do the same. Obviously they're the best team, so to be the best, you want to beat the best."

While Cale acknowledges the Crusaders present a different tactical test, the broader challenge of crossing the Tasman remains consistent.

"They play a little bit differently so yes and no, but it's just the factor of travelling to New Zealand, versing a New Zealand team at their home ground, they're always good so the boys are up for it and it should be a good game."